Category Archives: Invisalign

Invisalign Manchester vs Veneers – The Best Way To Straighten teeth

As an experienced orthodontist Manchester, we offer our adult patients a multitude of ways in which they can straighten teeth. The only issue is deciding which to use and which will give the patient the best results. Invisalign Manchester and porcelain veneers are both good options for straightening teeth and while the latter isn’t a specific orthodontic treatment per se, it’s often referred to as instant orthodontics. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what Invisalign clear braces offers Manchester patients vs porcelain veneers.

So how do they straighten teeth?

Both are very different from conventional teeth straightening options. Invisalign for example doesn’t utilise brackets and wiring but instead relies on a series of clear plastic (invisible) aligners which are worn over the teeth like a gum shield. Each aligner in the series is designed to move the teeth a specific amount before it’s changed (usually every two weeks) for the next one. This continues until the final aligner is worn and the teeth are straight.

Similarly veneers also offer a different approach to straightening teeth. This time rather than physically moving them, the teeth are covered over and reshaped using a thin porcelain layer. This sits on top of the problem tooth giving you the appearance of straighter teeth and a better smile.

Advantages of Invisalign treatment

The main advantage that clear braces offers Manchester patients over porcelain veneers is that the whole natural tooth is preserved. This is good if you have an excessive or imbalanced bite which forces greater pressure through your affected teeth. On the contrary in order for veneers to be placed a thin layer of your natural tooth needs to be shaved off in order for the veneer to sit flush with the remaining teeth. Another benefit of Invisalign Manchester is that they actually correct the movement of tooth and the tooth root rather than masking over the problem cosmetically.

The advantages of veneers

Primarily the main advantage of veneers is that problems can be fixed within just one or two dental sittings, whereas Invisalign aligners can take up to two years to correct, depending upon the severity of the problem. Another advantage of course is that veneers don’t just straighten teeth, they can help with a whole host of other dental problems including masking badly discoloured teeth or helping with small (peg lateral) teeth. Finally unlike all other brace systems including Invisalign there’s no need to wear a retainer. Because the tooth root isn’t touched or moved, there’s no tendency for it to want to shift back.

As an orthodontist Manchester the good news for many patients is that they don’t always have to make a decision. In other words it doesn’t have to be an either/or choice. You can for example utilise Invisalign Manchester to move your teeth first of all and then use a porcelain veneer to mask a badly stained tooth that won’t respond to normal teeth whitening treatment.

Talk to us today about what veneers and clear braces offers Manchester patients today. To schedule an appointment call Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218.

What Clear Braces Offers Manchester Patients In 2016

In the 21^st century, orthodontic treatment is a world away from the metal style braces of old, and none more so than Invisalign. Manchester adults who need orthodontic help for example, no longer need to display a mouthful of metal every time they smile or speak, and that’s what Invisalign offers Manchester patients. So what exactly are they and how do they work?

Clear braces offers Manchester patients discretion

Just like any other form of orthodontic treatment the Invisalign system moves teeth by applying continued and gentle pressure. However that’s where the similarities end. Instead of just one brace being worn for the entire length of the treatment, Invisalign involves a series of clear acrylic aligners that are worn over the teeth, just like a mouth guard. As the name suggests they’re virtually invisible. In fact, the only person who need know you’re wearing them is you!

So how do they work?

Unlike conventional orthodontic treatment which relies on tensioning wires to push and pull teeth back into position, the way that Invisalign straightens teeth is via the aligners themselves. Before patients embark on their orthodontic journey, a series of impressions and scans are taken which are then used to construct your bespoke aligners. Each aligner is designed to be worn in a sequence and will move the teeth a small fraction (normally 1/10mm). When the time is up and the aligner has done it’s job (usually 2 weeks) it’s changed for the next one in the series, which will then move the teeth a fraction more. This continues throughout the length of the treatment until the teeth have finally reached their desired position.

Fully and easily removable

In addition you may have already picked up on the fact that Invisalign aligners are designed to be fully and easily removable. In fact for best results Invisalign Manchester aligners should always be removed when eating, drinking, and cleaning teeth. Primarily this is so that the aligners keep their crystal clear colour and are not tainted by food and drink stains, but also because of hygiene purposes. Removing them before eating means that any food particles left behind can easily be brushed away before returning the aligners to the mouth. Do bear in mind however that for the clear braces to do their job of straightening teeth, they need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so when you take them out, remember to put them back soon after.

So what can Invisalign offer patients?

Clear braces offers manchester patients the chance to undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious. The aligner system also gives patients the flexibility to be in control of their own treatment, allowing them to carry on with their everyday lifestyle. Finally, Invisalign offers Manchester patients a comfortable way to receive the orthodontic treatment they need without having to deal with sharp edges of conventional braces that plague many wearers.

To find out more about Invisalign Manchester and how it can benefit you in 2016 contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 01621 660 1218 today. Dr Shi Karim and the team are happy to assist.

Clear View Braces – What Are They and How Do They Work?

If you’re looking for a truly discreet form of adult orthodontic treatment then you have two real options; lingual braces Manchester and Invisalign. Manchester orthodontic practices tend to offer both but in this particular post we’re going to focus on the latter.

Otherwise known as clear view braces, Invisalign is an aligner style form of orthodontic treatment. Where lingual braces are attached to the rear of teeth using a traditional fixed bracket and wiring system, Invisalign works using a series of pre-programmed clear plastic trays known as aligners. Each aligner is custom made to fit over the teeth and moves them using continued physiological forces. The arch-wires of conventional braces also use physiological forces but instead of pulling, the aligners gradually push the teeth into the desired position. Force is generated by the flex of the plastic pushing on the teeth. Let’s just say that at the beginning your teeth are at position zero. The first aligner will allow your teeth to move to position one. Then the second aligner moves your teeth to position two, and so on and so forth until the final position (and indeed, straighter teeth) has been achieved.

Similarly to lingual braces, Invisalign Manchester braces are considered a full term treatment because they have the ability to treat a wide variety of dental problems. This means that typically treatment takes anywhere between 12-18 months to complete.

Fully removable brace system

We’ve already touched on the fact that Invisalign Aligners are fully removable but what exactly does this mean?

Unlike other bracket and wiring type systems which are permanently fixed to the teeth for the duration of your treatment, Invisalign braces are designed specifically to be easily removed by the patient. Although they need to be worn for between 20-22 hours a day, it’s necessary to remove them when eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. Right away this means that food particles and debris which can otherwise become lodged in between conventional braces can easily be removed. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that teeth should be cleaned after every meal. That said Invisalign braces are one of only a few orthodontic treatments which give you full control over when and where you wear them.

The bottom line is that not only are clear view braces invisible, they achieve the same results and more besides as conventional ‘bracket and wiring’ style treatments. For this reason they’re extremely popular amongst adults looking to take action against their less than perfect teeth.

To find out more about lingual braces Manchester or Invisalign Manchester come and talk to our orthodontic team right here at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. Led by Shi Karim we have the experience and the skills necessary to help you restore your great looking smile. To book yourself a free, no-obligation consultation contact us on 0161 660 1218 today.

Manchester Invisalign – The Top FAQ’s Answered

As Manchester Invisalign braces are fast becoming the brace of choice for those with misaligned, crooked, or overcrowded teeth, more and more people are looking for information on this particular type of braces in Manchester. With this in mind we thought we’d create a post answering some of the most popular frequently asked questions. So let’s dive straight in…

Why are Invisalign aligners different?

Compared to other orthodontic braces, Manchester Invisalign are different in many ways. Firstly they don’t use brackets and tensioning wires to move teeth like conventional braces. Instead a series

of clear plastic aligners are fashioned to fit snugly over the teeth just like a gum shield. Each aligner gradually and gently pushes the teeth into a certain position before the next aligner in the sequence takes over. This continues until the teeth are finally in the right position.

Secondly, unlike conventional braces which are permanently fixed to the mouth for the duration of the treatment, Invisalign braces are designed to be removed when eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. This helps with better oral hygiene and makes cleaning the teeth easier

Finally unlike other braces that are visible when you smile or speak, Invisalign braces in Manchester aren’t. Because they’re made of a thin but strong type of thermo-plastic they can’t be seen by others when the wearer talks or smiles. So to all intent and purpose, they really are invisible.

**What type of conditions can Manchester Invisalign treat?**

Unlike other brace systems Invisalign aligners can treat a whole host of problems ranging from mild cases of protruding or crooked teeth to more serious malocclusions, overbites, and underbites. For this reason whatever your orthodontic condition it’s well worth talking to your dentist about Invisalign braces Manchester.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Some people experience a slight degree of discomfort during the first few days when changing aligners. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of force or pressure on the teeth. However after a day or so any discomfort disappears and patients are able to go about their business as usual. This is a sign that your aligners are carrying out their role of straightening the teeth.

How long does treatment take?

The main thing to note is that Invisalign orthodontic treatment is not a fast or accelerated process. Unlike brace systems such as C-Fast, Secret Smile, and Six Month Smiles, Invisalign is a holistic treatment. This means that as well as straightening the teeth that are visible it also helps to correct root positioning and bite alignment. For this reason in Manchester, Invisalign patients will typically find that they wear their aligners for around 12-18 months. However this may change depending on the severity of your condition.

Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners?

Although there’s nothing to stop you from smoking while wearing your aligners, it isn’t advisable. The reason is that the tobacco will stain the aligners turning them from a crystal clear white into an a yellow colour. Clearly they will no longer be invisible and can look unsightly. Instead just like when eating or drinking, it’s advisable to remove them when smoking. Do bear in mind however that for best results, Invisalign braces in Manchester need to be worn for between 20 and 22 hours every day.

I have a crown, can I still opt for Invisalign?

It’s perfectly fine for crowns to be worn during the Invisalign process. In fact crowns can become damaged during the removal process of some fixed orthodontic treatments. Whereas because Invisalign are removable anyway, you won’t have this problem.

**How much does Manchester Invisalign cost?**

Because each Invisalign aligner needs to be custom made, Invisalign treatment is at the higher end of the orthodontic treatment scale. Typically costs range from £1800-£3000 but this depends on the amount of aligners you need and the severity of the problem.

If you’d like to find out more about how Invisalign braces in Manchester can benefit you then come and talk to Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. We’ve been successfully supplying and fitting people with Invisalign braces Manchester for many years, so we have the experience and the skills you need. To book your free consultation contact us on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards achieving that perfect smile.

Lingual Braces Manchester vs Invisalign – A Comparison

While there are a variety of adult orthodontic treatments available, two of the lesser known are Invisalign Manchester and lingual braces. Manchester patients are turning to discreet orthodontic treatments as a way of maintaining their smile and when it comes to discretion, Invisalign braces Manchester and lingual braces are leading the way. But just how invisible are they? Let’s take a closer look…

Lingual braces

Lingual braces in Manchester are completely different from any other type of fixed brace system in that they attach onto the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. In other words when someone’s looking at a person wearing lingual braces, they would never know that they’re wearing them.

They work on exactly the same principle as traditional orthodontic treatments in that they use continual gentle force to push and/or pull the teeth back into position. This is done using the same kind of bracket and wire system that conventional braces do, except this time, brackets aren’t attached to the front of the teeth.

Like Invisalign braces in Manchester, treatments are long term, taking anywhere between 18 and 36 months to complete. They can be used to correct a whole host of dental problems including crooked or overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth, and mild to moderate over/under bite. Also like Invisalign, Manchester patients will have to pay more for the treatment because they’re custom made. However unlike Invisalign, technical training and expertise are needed to fit them.

The downside to wearing lingual braces is that they take a little longer to get used to. Because the system feels strange on the tongue at first, full pronunciation or words may prove difficult. However this is usually rectified after a few days when the patient gets used to wearing them.

Invisalign

As with lingual braces, Manchester patients can be assured of complete discretion with Invisalign treatment. However unlike the former, there are many differences. Firstly the Invisalign system is a removable ‘aligner style’ brace designed specifically to be removed when eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. This is to aid oral hygiene as food particles can become lodged in between the brackets and wires of conventional braces. Instead of being secured onto the teeth, Invisalign Manchester braces fit over the teeth utilising a lightweight, clear plastic gum-shield.

The other main difference between these and Lingual braces is how they work…

While lingual braces rely on a bracket and wire system to move teeth back into position, with Invisalign, teeth are forced into a certain position using a series of (in some cases as many as 48) aligners. These are placed over the teeth in sequential order at 2-3 week periods until the last one moves the teeth into the final position. Before a patient is given their aligners, a series of computer diagrams are drawn up plotting the gradual movement of the teeth. At any one time the dentist (and the patient) can see exactly the stage they should be at in order to create that great looking smile.

So what about the downsides?

The only real downside, is that because Invisalign Braces Manchester are designed to be removable, the patient has complete control over when they wear them. The issue is that they need to be worn for 22 hours a day to achieve best results, so the wearer needs to be sufficiently self-disciplined enough to do that.

As you can see, if you’re after discreet adult orthodontic treatment there are systems available. If you’d like to find out more about lingual braces Manchester, or Invisalign Manchester, then book yourself a consultation with Shi Karim and the team at Church Road Dental to discuss your options. Call today on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards restoring your great looking smile.

Invisible Braces Manchester – Discussing The Pros And Cons

If you suffer from crooked or misaligned teeth you might be curious to know just what Invisalign offers Manchester patients. Otherwise known as invisible braces, Manchester orthodontists tend to look on Invisalign Aligners as the gold star of orthodontic treatment and not without good reason. Yet while they certainly have their advantages, they also have their disadvantages too. Let’s take a closer look…

First the pros…

Invisalign aligners are practically invisible

At our smile dental clinic this is by far the number one reason why people choose this type of aligner over conventional metal braces. Since Invisalign Aligners are made from a lightweight clear plastic that fits directly over the teeth, they are virtually invisible. Because of this they offer the perfect solution for those who feel particularly self-conscious about wearing adult braces. As a result these patients can now smile and speak without sporting a mouthful of metal.

They’re easily and fully removable

Invisalign Aligners are fully removable. What’s more they’re designed to be taken out every time the wearer eats, drinks, and cleans their teeth. With normal fixed braces, maintaining the teeth requires a lot more work as food particles and debris can easily become lodged in the spaces between the brackets and wiring. Removable braces such as Invisalign however, eradicate this problem altogether, making teeth maintenance easy.

Invisalign offers a higher degree of comfort

While all brace systems feel uncomfortable for the first few days, Invisalign offers Manchester patients complete comfort. This is unlike many fixed metal style brace systems which can cause irritation to the mouth lining and lead to a certain amount of discomfort.

Invisalign braces are safer

There is much controversy amongst medical professionals over whether or not metallic braces release harmful toxins in the mouth. The good news is that Invisalign offers Manchester patients a solution to the whole issue, because aside from being non-metal, Invisible braces in Manchester are not made using bis-phenol A (BPA). This is an industrial chemical which is normally used in the making of plastics and has in the past been linked with health defects in infants and children. Therefore we can say with confidence that Invisalign Aligners are free from any harmful toxins.

So that’s the advantages, now what about the disadvantages?

Requires a great deal of cooperation

At our smile dental clinic we always stress to our patients the need to wear their Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours every day. Maximum wear equals maximum results so this is important. Anything less would means that the aligners take much longer to work. The bottom line is that if you’re a rule breaker, Invisalign isn’t the brace system for you.

They need to be removed every time you eat

Unlike fixed braces systems which remain permanently in the mouth, Invisalign Aligners need to be removed prior to eating and drinking anything but water. While this can be seem as ‘a bit of a faff’ some say that it helps with weight loss because they avoid snacking and drinking high sugar fizzy drinks between meals.

Brushing and flossing needs to be carried out after eating

For some people having to brush and floss their teeth after every meal can be a bit of an inconvenience especially if they happen to be at work. However while it might seem an annoyance, Invisalign offers Manchester patients something they might not have expected, and that’s an improvement in their oral health, because of more consistent teeth cleaning.

While no one orthodontic treatment is perfect, we feel that Invisalign offers many patients a good solution to their orthodontic problems. In fact by weighing up the pros and cons, you’ll feel better equipped to make an informed dental decision.

If you feel that Invisible Braces Manchester would be the right fit for you, then contact out smile dental clinic in Manchester on 0161 660 1218. Remember it’s never too late to get that perfect smile, so give us a call today.

Lingual braces Manchester Or Invisalign – A New Breed Of Braces

For many years, when a patient underwent orthodontic treatment there was no hiding the fact. Why? Because every time the wearer laughed and/or smiled they greeted onlookers with a mouthful of metal. While metal style braces are still worn there is now a need for orthodontic treatments that are more discreet. This is where brace systems such as Invisalign Manchester and lingual braces Manchester come in. So how does this ‘new breed’ of orthodontic treatments work?

Firstly although Invisalign braces Manchester and lingual braces do the same job of straightening and correcting teeth in a discreet fashion, they are completely different systems. Invisalign braces for example are an aligner-style system that are designed to be fully and easily removable. Whereas, lingual braces are a more conventional bracket and wiring style treatment that is fixed permanently in place for the duration of your treatment. Let’s take a closer look at each type in detail.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are the most closely related to the conventional style braces that we all know. They use brackets and wiring, just like traditional brace systems do, and straighten teeth by the use of an arch of tension wire that applies continued gentle pressure, forcing teeth back into their correct position. However perhaps the most significant difference is that the brackets are fastened to the inside of the teeth along with any wiring. This means that when a lingual brace wearer smiles, speaks, or eats, a person looking at them wouldn’t be able to tell they’re wearing them. In fact from an aesthetics point of view, they’re completely invisible.

What about pros and cons?

The good thing about lingual braces is that they’re classed as a long-term treatment. This means that they have the ability fix a whole host of dental problems and issues such as over/under bite, twisted, crooked, and flared teeth, tooth overcrowding, and tooth root alignment. Treatment takes anything from 9 months to 24 months depending upon the severity of the problem and they are seen as very successful solutions.

On the downside, to fit lingual braces in Manchester patients will need to seek the services of a fully trained orthodontist who has experience in this field, as they aren’t normally fitted by a regular dentist. The other problem is that because they’re attached to the back of teeth, they can take some getting used to. Speech and pronunciation can be affected for a short while until people get used to wearing them. That said, this adjustment period normally only lasts for a few weeks.

Invisalign braces

An adult looking for a modern, discreet way of wearing braces might want to consider Invisalign. Manchester dental clinics are very excited to offer this type of orthodontic treatment and not without good reason. Like lingual braces, Manchester residents will be pleased to know that Invisalign aligners can fix a whole gamut of dental problems. However unlike lingual braces which attach to the back of the teeth, the aligners are worn like a gum shield sitting OVER the teeth.

Rather than wearing a single brace throughout the duration of your treatment, Invisalign braces Manchester are designed to be disposable and changed every 2 weeks. Because there are no brackets and wiring involved, Invisalign braces are fully removable. As such, they’re designed to be taken out every time a patient eats and cleans their teeth. Each aligner is made of clear plastic, so when worn it’s incredibly discreet. It’s also designed to be one of a series with each one a different fit. The idea is that that each aligner gradually forces the teeth into a pre-planned position. When this position is reached it’s replaced with the next aligner in the series, and so on and so forth, until the teeth are straight.

So what about the cons?

If you’re considering undergoing Invisalign, Manchester orthodontists will probably warn you that treatment isn’t cheap, especially when compared to other orthodontic systems, and this could be a sticking point for some people. However others might consider the cost a small price to pay for the sense of freedom and discretion they get from wearing them.

So there you have it, 2 types of new breed discreet braces that you might want to opt for. If you’re still undecided between lingual braces Manchester and Invisalign braces Manchester then come and talk to our experienced orthodontic team at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. Contact us on 0121 660 1218 to book a no-obligation consultation right now and start the ball rolling towards an attractive and healthy smile.

Invisalign Braces Manchester – The Future is Clear

If you’re seeking Manchester invisible braces, it’s fair to say that they don’t come any better than Invisalign braces Manchester. In fact when it comes to appearing inconspicuous, Invisalign clear braces offers Manchester patients complete discretion. This means that adults can now wear orthodontic braces knowing that unless they mention it, work colleagues and friends, will probably never know that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

While discretion is a big part of what makes Invisalign braces so special, perhaps the most striking aspect about this type of brace system is that it’s about as far removed from conventional bracket and wiring style braces that you can imagine. So what’s different? Let’s take a closer look.

One versus a series

Most conventional braces and even other aligner-style systems have just one brace that you wear for the duration of your treatment. Conversely when it comes to Invisalign braces, Manchester patients may be surprised to learn that treatment consists of a whole series of aligners, known as trays, which are changed every two weeks. This means that if a treatment lasts as long as 2 years, a patient may have up to 48 trays to wear during that time.

So why is this? Well…this brings us onto our next difference..

Not a bracket or wire in sight

The vast majority of so called clear braces and invisible braces Manchester utilise a bracket and wiring style system. While some are more discreet than others using tooth coloured brackets and thin wiring, people may still get a glimpse of metal when a person smiles or speaks. On the other hand, Invisalign clear braces offers Manchester patients complete discretion because they don’t use any brackets or wiring whatsoever. So how do they straighten teeth?

Each Invisalign aligner or tray is worn like a removable gum shield and is pre-programmed to move the teeth into a certain position. When the teeth have reached that position (usually within 2-3 weeks) the current aligner is removed and the next one in the series is put into place, where it continues to move the teeth into the next position. Once the final aligner in the series has been worn for the correct length of time, it will be removed to reveal the patient’s straight new smile.

Because there’s no bracket and wiring needed Invisalign alingers are comfortable to wear and since they’re made from a very light acrylic (virtually the same material as contact lenses are made from) they’re virtually invisible – hence the name.

The whole tooth and nothing but the tooth

Finally, while certain Manchester invisible braces such as lingual braces can correct the whole bite, the majority don’t. Instead they concentrate their efforts on correcting the lower and upper front 6 teeth that are visible when you smile. While Invisalign can do this, they can also address the whole mouth. That includes the non-visible teeth located right at the back. This means that they’re multi-functional and can deal with a whole host of underlying tooth problems such as bite alignment, overcrowding, and tooth root alignment too.

As you can see, Invisalign clear braces, offers Manchester patients the chance to wear discreet invisible braces Manchester like no other. They give a clear and concise indication of the direction in which orthodontic treatments are moving and so far, they really are the adult orthodontics of the future.

For further information on Manchester Invisible braces or if you’d like a free, no obligation consultation with the team, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 today.

Orthodontic Braces In Manchester – The Different Types Explained

When we think about orthodontic braces in Manchester, we probably cast our minds back to those metallic ‘train-track style’ braces we wore as children. However when it comes to adult braces, modern dental technology means that orthodontic treatments are not only more comfortable, but more discreet too. This mirrors the needs of those adults looking for a straighter smile.

In Manchester, clear braces for example is the the name given to any orthodontic brace system which is designed to be discreet. This includes traditional braces with tooth coloured brackets and thin wiring, through to aligner style braces such as Manchester Invisalign. As there are so many types and styles available, we thought we’d explain some of the main differences between them.

Bracket and wiring vs aligners

Despite the fact that there are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments on the market, they all carry out the same function. That is to straighten the teeth by applying a gentle force which pushes or pulls the teeth back into their correct position over a period of time. While the majority of orthodontic treatments are variations of the traditional bracket and wiring method, there are other’s such as Invisalign, which do away with this altogether. So what’s the difference?

When it comes to bracket and wiring style brace systems, small brackets are permanently attached to the teeth for the duration of the treatment using a special dental adhesive. Through these brackets is threaded a series of self-tensioning wires. Gradually, over time the wires tighten and as they do, they apply gentle but sustained pressure to the teeth pulling them back into the correct position. Once the treatment is complete the dentist removes the brackets to reveal straighter healthier teeth.

Conversely, aligner style braces such as Manchester Invisalign, do away with brackets and wiring altogether. With Invisalign in particular, the patient receives a series of clear plastic aligners known as trays which are worn over the teeth just like a gum shield. Each one is numbered and the idea is that the first aligner is worn for around 2 weeks and gently pushes the teeth into a pre-determined position allowing the patient to replace it with the next one in the series. The next aligner is worn for another 2 weeks and moves the teeth to the next position and so on, until the last aligner has been worn and treatment is completed. Unlike bracket and wiring style braces, aligners are designed to be easily removable by the patient (A) to enable them to change it for the subsequent aligner in the series and (B) so that they can be taken out when eating and cleaning the teeth. Although aligners such as Invisalign gives wearers the flexibility of being able to remove them, they still need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day for best results.

Manchester clear braces vs traditional metal braces?

As the name suggests clear brace systems such as 6 Month Smiles, Damon Braces and In-Line are designed to be discreet. For this reason they suit many adults who don’t necessarily want to be seen wearing a mouth full of metal. Because they’re made using specialised lightweight materials such as acrylic and porcelain, they are more expensive than say conventional metallic style braces in Manchester. As such patients might need to consider whether their discretion is more important over cost.

What about lingual braces?

Lingual braces are a different entity altogether. They are classed as a bracket and wiring style of brace system, however rather than the brackets and wiring being attached to the front of the teeth, they’re attached to the back. The result is that when the wearer smiles, the brace can’t be seen. Although lingual braces aren’t really Manchester clear braces as such (eg, they aren’t made using tooth coloured brackets and wiring or clear plastic) they are invisible from the front, so friends and work colleagues needn’t know you’re wearing them.

So there you have it, the various types of braces in Manchester explained. Whether you prefer the aligner style brace such as Manchester Invisalign, or the equally discreet variety of Manchester clear braces, we can help you find an orthodontic treatment that helps fulfil your dental needs and your personal requirements. To find out more, contact us on 0161 660 1218 and book a consultation with Shi Karim and the team today.

Clear Fixed braces vs Removable Braces – Which Is Best?

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.