Category Archives: Invisalign

The Top 10 Interesting Facts about Manchester Invisalign

With orthodontists in the UK reporting a 75% increase in adults receiving braces, why don’t we see more people wearing them?

The answer?

Because many people are opting for Invisalign. Manchester patients, for example, are choosing more discreet options of teeth straightening such as Invisalign, because it doesn’t disrupt their lifestyle. As a result, clear view braces like Invisalign are a popular choice among patients today. With this in mind let’s dive right in and take a look at the top 10 facts you need to know about this particular brace system.

1. They’re discreet

For many of our patients in Manchester, Invisalign is chosen because they don’t want anyone to know they’re wearing braces. Invisalign works by using a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made and worn over the top of your teeth. Compared to traditional braces using metal wires and brackets, these clear view braces are barely noticeable and most patients can complete treatment without anyone knowing.

2. Easy to maintain

Invisalign is easy to care for and only takes just a few minutes a day to maintain. The aligners have to be removed whenever you eat or drink. During this time, you simply store them in the container provided, or a glass of water in order to prevent saliva drying on them. Each night before bed, simply clean the aligners to keep them looking fresh and clear.

3. It’s affordable

Braces of any kind usually require a financial investment. What’s interesting to note though, is that Invisalign aligners are very similar in cost to conventional metal braces and can be worn from as little as £29 per month. Here at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics, we offer a no-obligation free consultation. This way, you can learn more about Invisalign and decide if it’s suitable for you before committing.

4. Comfortable to wear

Wearing braces shouldn’t have to impact your life. Invisalign aligners are made with comfort in mind so that your life can continue as normal. They’re custom-made and trimmed to your exact gum line, enabling you to comfortably wear your brace for the recommended 22 hours a day without any disruption.

5. Quick Appointments

During your treatment, you’ll need to visit us approximately once every 6-8 weeks so we can give you the next set of aligners and also check the progress of your treatment. With Invisalign, Manchester patients will find that their appointment times are quicker than traditional braces because no adjustments need to be made to wires or brackets. This means less time will be spent in the dental chair means less impact on your schedule.

6. No dietary restrictions

With metal braces, patients are warned to stay away from a few different types of food. This is because they can get caught in the braces, are hard to clean or even damage the wires and brackets. That’s not the case with Invisalign. Manchester patients can continue to enjoy all their favourite food because the aligners are removed when eating and drinking. Of course, it’s still important to brush and floss your teeth after each meal or before inserting your clear view braces again in order to maintain good oral hygiene.

7. Provides great results

We treat many patients who get the results they’ve always wanted with Invisalign. It really works. In fact, from day one it’s boasted a 96% satisfaction rate. It gives people a renewed sense of confidence and happiness in their appearance.

8. Founded in 1997

Align Technology (the company that manufactures Invisalign) was founded back in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in California. Before Invisalign was invented, wearing traditional bracket and wire braces were pretty much the only option available to get straighter teeth.

9. Retention is needed

In order to guarantee a lifetime of straight smiles, you must be committed to wearing a retainer, whether fixed or removable, to hold your teeth in their new position after your treatment is complete. Unfortunately, roughly 25% of patients who’ve worn braces end up undergoing treatment a second time because they failed to wear their retainers as instructed!

10. BPA free

Invisalign aligners and retainers don’t contain bisphenol-A. Instead, they’re made with medical grade polyurethane resins. They pass all the tests for biocompatibility and regulatory requirements which make them totally safe for dental wear.

If you’d like to find out more about clear view braces such as Invisalign, Manchester residents are encouraged to make an appointment with our team here at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. Remember, if it’s total discretion you’re after, Manchester, Invisalign might just be the option for you. To find out, book an appointment with us by visiting our website www.clearviewbraces.com or contacting us directly on 0161 660 1218.

Invisible Braces in Manchester – Are They Right For Me?

Chances are if you’re reading this post or a lingual braces blog then your smile is not something you’re happy with. In fact, the figures show that you’re not alone, almost half of the population in the UK would love to improve their smile. This being the case, many people find themselves looking for braces in Manchester or researching Invisalign braces. Manchester residents may also feel that it’s too late to fix their teeth, or that it will take too long, or be too embarrassing. That’s where Invisible braces come to the rescue. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular discreet braces on the market today – Lingual Braces and Invisalign.

Both Invisalign and Lingual Braces are extremely popular nowadays due to their aesthetic advantages. They are very discreet and as a result, the wearer can often complete treatment without anybody even noticing. While we often find that patients have narrowed their options down between these two, it’s also important to understand why they’re different?

The biggest difference is that lingual braces use metal wires and brackets that are fixed to the back surfaces of the teeth, while with Invisalign braces, Manchester patients use a series of clear removable aligners that are worn over the teeth.

So is one better than the other?

In short, no! These braces are so different that it’s difficult to choose the overall winner. The right choice often depends on your preference and individual case. The only way to know for certain is by having a consultation with your dentist, who can recommend which type of brace will provide the best results for you personally. In the meantime though, let’s take a closer look at the In’s and out’s of these appliances to help you gain a better understanding of each.

Firstly, Invisalign Braces

When looking for braces in Manchester, many people may have come across Invisalign already, but they aren’t sure what they are, and more importantly, how they work?

The main benefit of Invisalign is that it’s an incredibly discreet way to straighten teeth without the use of any metal wires. It works by using a series of clear and removable aligners that are worn over the top of the teeth to slowly move them little by little into their final position. Unlike Lingual Braces which require just one fixed brace for the duration of the treatment, you have the responsibility to replace your existing aligner for the next one in the series, every two weeks. The Aligners are custom-made specifically for each individual and are smooth and comfortable to wear. With Invisalign braces, Manchester patients may also need the help of some small buttons which are attached to the teeth in order to achieve particular movements, but being tooth coloured, they remain hardly noticeable.

Some prefer a removable brace instead of a fixed one. The main reason is the when the aligner is removed it’s far easier to clean and floss your teeth thoroughly. This is instead of trying to squeeze your toothbrush between wires and brackets.

In addition, people also like the fact that you must remove the brace whilst eating and drinking. This means that unlike fixed braces, you no longer have to avoid certain foods. It’s also handy when it comes to special occasions as you don’t have to be wearing them if you don’t want to. Just make sure they’re in position for a minimum of 20 hours a day.

The ClinCheck provided with Invisalign is another great advantage for patients too. Your treatment is carefully planned from beginning to end using the latest CAD/CAM software. This enables you to see how your teeth will look after treatment using a digital representation of your teeth.

Lingual Braces

If you’ve been doing your research on braces in Manchester, or have been reading a lingual braces blog, you may already know that unlike Invisalign, lingual braces require the use of wires and brackets. However, what’s great is that they’re completely hidden from sight because they’re fitted behind the teeth. This means it has all the advantages of a fixed brace but yet offers faster treatment times. In fact, some lingual braces can be nearly 30% quicker. This is because modern technology ensures precision tooth movements which allow the teeth to move more directly into their new position, faster. Lingual braces are custom-made for each individual patient, so they always fit the inside of the teeth comfortably. In addition, they achieve great results by applying gentle and continuous pressure to gradually shift the teeth.

Lingual braces help treat a wide range of dental problems such as overcrowding, rotation of teeth, closing spaces and the malocclusions. If unsuitable for Invisalign braces, Manchester patients often find lingual braces are a great alternative as they’re able to treat more complex movements of the teeth.

For many of our patients, the deciding factor to have lingual braces is because they are fixed to the teeth for the full duration of treatment. This eliminates the risk of losing the brace and also means that it’s always hard at work. Some people struggle with the temptation to remove their aligners too often which can impact the end result and the length of treatment.

Although you may have done plenty of research, reading websites about braces in Manchester or a lingual braces blog, the best way to find out for certain which option is best suited for you personally is by visiting us for a consultation. Call us on 0161 660 1218 or fill in the booking form on our website to arrange an appointment. Whether you choose fixed lingual braces or Invisalign braces, Manchester-based Church Road Dental and Cosmetics are happy to help.

What Invisalign Offers Our Manchester Patients – Improve Your Confidence

With nice straight teeth at the core of a beautiful looking smile, millions worldwide go to great effort to straighten their teeth by using appliances such as Inman Aligner braces or 6-month smiles. Manchester residents should also be aware of the fact that the benefits can indeed even extend beyond a great looking smile.

Did you know for instance that having straighter teeth makes them easier to clean? This, in turn, reduces the risk or gum disease, tooth loss, and decay. With all this in mind let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages that Invisalign offers, being one of the most popular braces available today.

What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is teeth straightening treatment that is as the name suggests, virtually invisible. It works by using a series of clear aligners that you place over the top of your teeth. These are custom-made specifically for your mouth and need to be replaced every two weeks. Week by week your teeth will slowly move to the final desired position. Invisalign is a great way to transform your smile and confidence without it impacting your life. It has the ability to treat a wide range of cases, such as closing spaces, cross-bites, crowding, and over-bites.

Another big selling point that Invisalign offers patients is that because treatment is incredibly discreet, it’s perfect for those who are hesitant about wearing braces because they’re concerned about how they will look during treatment. Having visible wires and brackets can often affect a patient’s self-confidence even further. This isn’t the case with Invisalign. With the use of clear aligners that are smooth and comfortable to wear, you can improve your confidence week by week without anyone ever knowing.

After you’ve had an assessment for Invisalign, impressions, photos, and x-rays are taken and from this then a 3D treatment plan will be made. This allows you to take a close look at how your teeth will look after wearing the aligners before your treatment has even begun! By knowing the definite outcome, it can give you the confidence to go ahead with Invisalign and the motivation to wear the aligners.

Another plus point is that Invisalign Aligners are removable. The only other orthodontic appliance to have this ability is Inman Aligner braces. You may find this more convenient than having a fixed brace. Why? Well for 2 main reasons.

Firstly, it helps you maintain better oral health. Often when wearing a fixed brace, patients struggle to clean underneath the wires and around the brackets properly, as it can be awkward and time-consuming. Failing to do so correctly, can result in decay or gum problems on your nice newly straight smile. Instead, just pop your aligners out and brush away as normal. Secondly, it means that you don’t have to worry about what you eat. When wearing a fixed brace, it’s important to avoid sticky hard foods that may get stuck in your braces or even break them. Invisalign eliminates that worry altogether as they are removed before eating and drinking. Despite being a removable brace, it’s really important that you only remove it when necessary. The aligners must be worn at least 20-22 hours per day for them to work effectively.

While Inman Aligner braces are removable, they’re also super fast, as are 6 months smiles. Manchester residents have a wide range of options when it comes to straightening teeth, so is Invisalign best for you? As always there are pros and cons. It all really depends on:

Which teeth you would like to straighten
How fast you want the treatment to be
If you want the braces discreet or visible
Whether you prefer fixed or removable

Although Invisalign is not as fast as other types of braces we offer, such as Inman aligner braces or 6-month smiles, Manchester patients often prefer this option if they’d rather straighten their teeth discreetly. Generally, average treatment takes approximately 12 months. That said, the length of any brace treatment will always depend on the severity of each case and this can only be determined by your dentist.

But what if you’re desperate for faster results or Invisalign doesn’t seem up your street? Well two of our other popular but speedy braces mentioned earlier are:

Inman Aligner braces – These are the perfect solution for straightening just your front teeth. This method can transform your smile in as little as 6-18 weeks.

6 Months Smiles – Manchester patients find this to be both fast and effective. As the name suggests, it generally takes only 6 months to change your smile.

So if you’re on the fence about whether to have braces or not, remember that straightening your teeth can benefit both your mental and physical health. Whatever option you choose, be it Invisalign, Inman Aligner Braces, or 6-month smiles, Manchester residents have options when it comes to improving their smile.

To book a consultation with us or to find out more information on what Invisalign offers we currently have, call us today on 0161 660 1218 or fill in the booking form on our website www.clearbracesmanchester.co.uk. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to wear your new smile with pride.

Teeth Straightening Manchester – Your Guide to a Straight Smile Fast

We know that when it comes to teeth straightening, Manchester patients want to see results as quickly as possible. Being self-conscious about how your smile looks can really affect your personal and social life. If this is true in your case then you may feel the sooner you fix your smile the better.

With brace systems such as 6-month smiles, Manchester patients are getting the straight teeth they want in a matter of weeks, not years. That being said, with so many options to straighten teeth available today, how do you know which is best suited to you?

By having a dental consultation with an orthodontist, Manchester patients are able to get a better idea of which treatments may be possible, along with an indication of cost and treatment time. The fact is, investing your time and money into your smile right now will almost certainly benefit you for the rest of your life.

So what options are available?

There are many popular cosmetic braces available today that promise to help move patients’ teeth quicker than has ever before. So if you’ve been searching for the fastest method for teeth straightening, Manchester residents may feel even more confused than before they started. To help with this, we’ve put together a brief guide that shows 3 of the braces we use to straighten your teeth fast and effectively.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner offers quick straightening of the front teeth. In fact, it’s been dubbed the ‘12 week wonder brace.’ This appliance means that treatment time is significantly reduced from 1 to 2 years down to 6 to 18 weeks. It works by using bows which are positioned at the front and back of the teeth. A coil spring then pushes these together using gentle pressure to move your teeth into their new position. The Inman Aligner, however, is not invisible like some of the other brace options but it is removable which means you can take it out to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. Another point to keep in mind is that it’s only really suitable for mild to moderate crowding in your smile line as it only focuses on the visible front 6-8 teeth.

6 Month Smiles

6 Month Smiles is a discreet fixed brace that uses tooth coloured brackets and wires. This system, similar to the Inman aligner, only focuses on straightening the front 6-8 teeth and is why treatment time is much faster than other types of braces which reposition all of the teeth. This brace can be used to correct crooked and misaligned teeth, and also to close gaps. As the name of these braces would suggest, treatment generally takes no more than 6 months to complete. However, as with any brace, the exact treatment time will vary between patients and can sometimes take less. The key takeaway is to understand that with 6 Months smiles, Manchester patients will only have their visible front teeth treated, instead of the full arch. For this reason, similar to the Inman Aligner, it’s only used as a cosmetic solution for patients, instead of one that will treat more complicated cases.

Invisalign

While not as fast as the Inman Aligner brace or 6 Month Smiles, Invisalign has the advantage of being the least noticeable of the three because it’s almost invisible and doesn’t require the use of any metal or wires. It works by using a series of completely clear braces that are worn over the top of your teeth to gradually shift their position. The aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and you will need to change them over yourself approximately every 2 weeks.

Similar to the Inman Aligner, these braces are always removed before eating and drinking and to brush your teeth but otherwise, it’s important to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day.

While the duration of Invisalign treatment can vary widely, on average it usually takes between 9-18 months, depending on the type of tooth movements needed and how complicated each individual case is. The major benefit of Invisalign though is the virtual 3D plan that’s created before you start your treatment. This allows you to not only see the final outcome of your smile but also gives you a fairly accurate estimate on the length of treatment time that you can expect.

Remember though, whatever type of teeth straightening method you decide on, wearing a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position is always necessary after treatment. When discussing this with your orthodontist, Manchester patients can choose which option would suit them best, whether it be a removable retainer worn during sleep or a fixed retainer that’s bonded to the inside surface of the teeth.

With the above methods of teeth straightening, Manchester residents are able to improve both their smile and confidence quicker and/or more discreetly than ever before. If you need more information on brace systems such as 6 months Smiles Manchester, or if you would like to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for any of the above treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation on 0161 660 1218 or fill in the booking form on our website www.clearbracesmanchester.co.uk. We look forward to meeting you and straightening your smile.

How To Improve Your Smile – Manchester Ortho Treatment Can Help

Looking to improve your smile? Manchester orthodontic treatment can help!

Not everyone is born with the perfect smile. For some people, a crooked smile can have a negative impact on their confidence, while for others, bite problems and other abnormalities can affect the way that food is chewed, which in turn can affect their overall health. Thankfully with a wide range of orthodontic treatment on offer, no one should have to suffer from a less than perfect, fully functioning smile.

The good news is that nowadays, teeth braces aren’t simply confined to metal style braces that we all remember as children. Instead, if you want discreet orthodontics that fit in with your lifestyle, then aligner style treatments such as Invisalign offers a balance of comfort and discretion. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a quick-fix solution then you might want to consider the Inman Aligner. Manchester patients can have straighter teeth in as little as 12 weeks.

Orthodontic treatment – No longer a stigma

Orthodontic treatment is not just for children and/or teenagers. In fact, modern day brace systems can help people of all ages. Yet despite this, one of the leading reasons that adults put up with crooked or misaligned teeth is that they don’t want to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal. However, as already stated above, it doesn’t have to be this way and there are a number of orthodontic appliances that can be worn without the need for anyone to know you’re even having orthodontic treatment. As well as Invisalign treatment, other appliances such as lingual braces are all designed with discretion in mind.

So why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

Aside from the aesthetic appeal, there are a number of definite advantages to having straighter teeth. Let’s take a look at a few of them…

Straighter teeth are healthy teeth

If you think about it, the straighter your teeth are the healthier they’re likely to be. Straighter teeth are easier to clean using a toothbrush and dental floss. When teeth are twisted, misaligned, or crooked, plaque can build up in difficult to reach areas, especially when it’s impossible to floss between them. In turn, this can cause tooth decay and bring about the early stages of gum disease. So if you want to make it easier to retain healthy teeth, make sure they’re straight.

Confidence boost

A beautiful smile goes a long way to improving your life. It portrays trust, makes you look more attractive, and can give you the confidence to go out and live life to the fullest. On the contrary, people with a less than perfect smile often have a lower self-esteem and may even remove themselves from social situations because of it. In other words, a crooked smile can hinder your overall quality of life.

Healthy smile, healthy you!

If you have a healthy smile, Manchester experts suggest that this is inextricably linked to a healthy you. For example, there is growing proof that gum disease is closely linked to other medical issues such as heart problems, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s Disease. This makes perfect sense when you think about the fact that bacteria found in the gums can enter the bloodstream and play a part in accelerating certain conditions. Conversely, when you have straighter teeth, there’s a strong chance that they’re likely to be free from bacteria; but not only this, it promotes better chewing, therefore aiding full and proper digestion.

So now we know why you should consider orthodontic treatment, let’s take a closer look at what treatments such as Invisalign offers patients?

Orthodontics are designed to fix a wide variety of teeth problems. Some appliances such as the Inman Aligner Manchester, deal with the aesthetic appearance of a smile by treating the top and bottom six teeth that are visible in the smile line. Others such as Invisalign, lingual braces, ceramic and all-metal braces, deal with the overall function and form of a smile. Problems that can be fixed include:

Crossbites
Overcrowding
Open bites
Deep bites
Underbites
Protrusions
Uneven spacing/gapping
Oral habits
Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)

Despite the fact that there are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments on the market, they all work in the same way in that they move teeth by applying gradual sustained force. When force is applied in a controlled way, the teeth (and in some cases the tooth root) slowly move back into position. In some cases, this is done using a series of removable aligners, or in others, by a solitary fixed device. Either way, by the end of the treatment the patient will have straighter teeth and a much-improved smile.

So now you know that orthodontic treatment works, which type of treatment should you opt for?

Primarily the type of treatment you need depends upon a number of factors. These can include

Condition or degree of treatment needed
Requirements or lifestyle needs
Cost
The Speed of treatment.

For example, Invisalign offers arguably the most discreet orthodontic treatment available, however, because each aligner is custom-made it doesn’t come cheap. Alternatively, conventional metal-style braces are cheaper, but they mightn’t suit a person who doesn’t feel comfortable with a mouth full of metal. How about speedy treatments such as C-Fast, Secret Smiles, or the Inman Aligner? Manchester dentists will tell you that although they’re quick to work, if you have other underlying problems beyond your smile line, then accelerated brace systems such as those listed above are probably not the best choice. The bottom line is that after a thorough examination your dentist will select the right orthodontic treatment that fits both your needs and criteria.

To find out more about how to improve your smile, Manchester-based Church Road Dental and Cosmetics can help. To see if you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment contact us on 0121 660 1218 and start the ball rolling towards restoring your perfect smile.

Invisalign Braces UK – So How Are Teeth Straightened?

When the majority of people first see Invisalign braces UK, they wonder how on earth they straighten teeth. After all, there’s no brackets or wiring involved, and as such, they’ll hold up just one of a series of aligner style clear braces with a bewildered look. It’s at this point that we show them a selection of Invisalign braces before and after pictures and explain that it is in fact, a series of custom-made aligners that work together to complete the smile.

Here’s how Invisalign braces UK works…

With all brace systems teeth are moved using physiological forces, and clear aligners are no exception. Whether that’s with the ‘pull‘ of arch wires threaded through teeth-mounted brackets, or the ‘push‘ of flexible acrylic aligners, applied gentle pressure in any direction should move teeth. With conventional braces, it’s the flexing of the tightened wire as it tries to return to its original position that shifts the teeth. Similarly, with clear braces, it’s the flexing of the plastic over the surface of the teeth that achieves exactly the same results.

That said, just as with arch wires, each aligner or tray can only move the teeth a certain distance. This is based on the makeup and physiological structure of the tooth, while also taking into account factors such as blood vessel and nerve migration. In other words, the further the teeth need to move, the greater number of trays are needed.

With this in mind, let’s say that your starting point for Invisalign braces UK is ‘0’. The next pre-determined position is position 1 and this is the first tray you’ll wear. This custom-made aligner is designed to flex around your teeth and move them from starting point ‘0’ to position 1 as the tray relaxes on the teeth. Around two weeks later this first tray is discarded and replaced with the next tray in the series. This is designed to move your existing teeth from position 1 to position 2. Again, 2 weeks later you’ll discard aligner number 2, because it’s done its job, and replace it with aligner No 3. This will help to move the teeth from position 2 to position 3. This continues until your teeth have moved into the final position. Now all that’s left to do is to take a closer look at your braces before and after pictures and marvel at the difference.

Just like conventional braces Clear braces such as Invisalign work to achieve remarkable results, except this time, it’s carried out invisibly with no obvious signs that you’re wearing them. If you’re looking for a discreet form of orthodontic treatment then come and talk to us about Invisalign braces UK. To book a consultation contact us on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards transforming your smile.

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Invisalign Braces Manchester – Transforming The Way We See Braces

While clear braces UK such as Invisalign braces Manchester, might not be the fastest of orthodontic treatments, they have revolutionized the way that we think about dental brace appliances. Instead of the traditional fixed bracket and wiring style brace system that we all know, aligner style clear brace systems offer removable acrylic trays which are worn over the teeth, just like a gum shield.

So what are the differences between Invisalign braces than normal dental braces?

Unsurprisingly there are many. We’ve already mentioned that this type of clear braces UK does away with brackets and wiring in favour of a clear plastic gum shield; but in addition, (particularly with Invisalign braces) Manchester patients may be surprised to learn that instead of one single appliance worn for the duration of the treatment, Invisalign involves a series of custom-made aligners (trays) which are changed every two weeks.

So why is this?

Conventional braces move teeth by applying sustained pressure. This is done through a series of self-tensioning or adjustable wires which are threaded through brackets fixed to the inside or outside of the teeth. As the wires are made taut, they gradually pull the teeth into the right position over a period of time. As a result, just one appliance moves the teeth from start to finish.

Conversely, Invisalign braces Manchester use the flex of the resilient clear plastic to push the teeth gently back into position. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth just a fraction of an inch. Once that occurs, and the move is complete, the existing tray is discarded in favour of the subsequent aligner which takes over the next move. It’s this combination of individual moves which culminates in the final end result. The beauty of this system is that you know instantly whether the teeth are moving correctly because if they weren’t, the subsequent aligner wouldn’t fit properly.

Another difference is that they look nothing like a conventional brace appliance. For starters, they’re made from clear acrylic and are shaped just like a soft mouth guard. This means that there are no sharp edges that can rub or cause irritation. There’s no need for regular tightening and adjustments as the trays (aligners) themselves do this, and most importantly they’re designed to be taken out when eating and drinking. This aids dental cleaning and brushing.

While it’s true that they’re not the fastest orthodontic treatment, Clear braces UK do offer a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, that on the face of it are a million miles away from conventional brace systems. Why not come and talk to us today about Invisalign braces in Manchester today and see what all the fuss is about! To book a consultation contact us on 0161 660 1218 and let us show you the modern way to straighten teeth.

Invisalign Manchester vs the Inman Aligner – Which Is Best?

If you’re in need of orthodontic treatment that doesn’t necessitate the use of fixed bracket and wiring style braces, your options are unfortunately limited. That said, there are still several choices and these include Invisalign Manchester or the Inman aligner. Cost UK is on a par with that of other countries, so here at Hulme Orthodontics we thought it was a good idea to write a post detailing the advantages and disadvantages of both, with particular attention to teeth crowding.

But why teeth crowding per se?

The prime use of the Inman aligner is to help those who didn’t successfully wear a retainer after previous orthodontic treatment. As such and over time, their front teeth have crowded once more. The issue is that many of these people don’t want to wear braces again and by having an easily removable, non-fixed, aligner style system, both Invisalign and the Inman aligner offer a refreshing alternative.

Firstly Invisalign.

Rather than being just one appliance, the Invisalign aligner is in fact a whole series of aligners made to fit the patient’s teeth. These are worn over the teeth just like an invisible plastic gum shield and the tight fit forces the teeth to move into a certain position. Once the teeth have moved to the subsequent relative position, the current aligner is discarded and a new aligner fitted. The next aligner in the series moves the teeth a certain distance again until eventually, after numerous changes and some time later, the patient has straighter teeth.

So what are the advantages of Invisalign Manchester aligners

Enables a patient to straighten crooked teeth without the stigma of being an adult who wears braces
They’re made from clear acrylic so once in position they appear virtually invisible
They can be used for a wide variety of treatments.
The aligners can be easily removed and are not permanently fixed.

While Invisalign has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. These are:

When compared to other orthodontic treatments including the Inman aligner, cost UK is usually higher, so they are not a cheap option.
The aligners need to be removed every time you eat and drink anything except water
For success, Invisalign aligners need to remain in the mouth for around 22 hours a day, so patients need to be disciplined and conditioned to doing so

So what about the Inman Aligner?

At our Hulme Orthodontics practice the Inman aligner is one of the most popular removable brace systems we have, and not without good reason. As with standard orthodontic appliances the Inman aligner consists of just one appliance that’s worn for the duration of the treatment. It works by utilising a series of springs and bows which push and pull the upper and lower front teeth back into position using gentle sustained pressure. However just like Invisalign the Inman aligner is designed to be removable.

So let’s take a look at the advantages

It’s easily removable and easy to clean.
It’s less expensive than Invisalign and many other orthodontic treatments
Because it’s designed to correct only the upper and lower front teeth it works fast (typically 6-12 weeks).

What about the disadvantages?

While discreet, unlike Invisalign, the Inman aligner consists of a a small metal bar which can be seen when patients smile or speak.
It can appear more bulky than the plastic aligner shells of Invisalign
It’s designed only for correcting the front teeth

As you can see both Invisalign Manchester aligners and the Inman aligners serve a particular purpose, but the Inman aligner being designed for a specific job, is less flexible in terms of what it can achieve. If you’d like to find out more about teeth straightening in general or Invisalign and Inman Aligner cost UK, then book an appointment with the Hulme Orthodontics team on 0161 660 1218 today.

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.

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.