Category Archives: Lingual Braces

Invisalign Manchester vs Veneers – The Best Way To Straighten teeth

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.

Lingual Braces Manchester

Lingual Braces Manchester – Your Best Kept Secret!

Want to improve your smile, but don’t want anybody to know about it? Well, lingual braces Manchester might just be the solution you’re looking for. Maybe you’ve researched many different types of teeth straightening from fast orthodontic treatment to fast orthodontic treatment because you want your treatment to be both as quick and invisible as possible. But did you know that lingual braces are even less noticeable than clear aligners and include all the benefits of traditional braces too? Let’s take a closer look and find out more.

So what are lingual braces and how do they work?

We all know that wearing a traditional brace means a mouth full of metal brackets and wires that are on show every time you smile. Well, imagine hiding that same appliance behind your teeth? That’s exactly what lingual braces offers our patients. In fact, the word ‘lingual’ in dentistry means ‘near to, or on the side towards the tongue.’ So by attaching the brace to the inside surface of your teeth instead, they’re completely hidden from view when you smile, laugh, or talk.

This means that aside from being completely discreet, they still have all the advantages of traditional braces and work in the same way. By applying gentle and continuous pressure, your teeth will begin to move slowly into their desired position; and just the same as with most braces, you’ll need to come and see us every 6-8 weeks so that we can check your progress and make the next adjustments to further assist the straightening process.

With lingual braces, Manchester patients have the appliance digitally designed and custom made for their mouth. This ensures that they not only fit the inside of their teeth discreetly but are comfortable to wear and will achieve the best results possible.

Main benefits and differences of lingual braces

Depending on your circumstances and lifestyle, you may find lingual braces suit you more so than other brace appliances that are available to you. For instance, clear view braces such as Invisalign, are designed to be removable when you eat and drink. This means there is always a chance that your aligners might be misplaced, or even unworn if they are forgotten. If so, this will ultimately affect the results and length of your treatment. With lingual braces, Manchester patients have the brace fully fixed to their teeth, so they are working 24/7, which eliminates the stress of losing aligners, forgetting to wear them, and also the hassle of having to remove them before each meal. So put simply, if you like to regularly eat out at restaurants or maybe just aren’t sure if you’ll be diligent enough in wearing clear view braces then lingual braces may be a better option for you.

Also, unlike many types of fast orthodontic treatments, lingual braces are able to treat the full arch of teeth, including straightening tooth roots and issues with bite alignment. The reason fast orthodontic treatments are quicker is because they work mainly on the upper and lower front 6 teeth that are most noticeable when you smile. This is great if you’re looking for a gentle, effective, and speedy way to improve your teeth, however, it won’t be suitable for you if you have more complicated dental problems.

Of course one of the main reasons people choose lingual braces is because they are invisible. This means they are particularly suited to anyone who doesn’t want to be seen wearing braces, whether this is for professional reasons because their job involves talking to or meeting with clients regularly, or maybe due to self-confidence issues that wearing obviously noticeable metal braces won’t help with.

Anything else should I know?

Yes…

As with every orthodontic option, there are small disadvantages. In this case, one of these is the cost. Lingual braces are slightly more expensive, but that’s because they are individually customised to fit your teeth and specific requirements. Another downside is that it can often take a little longer to adapt to and may affect your speech slightly at first because they are fitted to the inside of the teeth. Don’t let this put you off though because most of our patients are completely used to them within 2 weeks and as with most braces anything new in the mouth can take some getting used to. Also, regardless of whatever type of brace you decide on, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is always very important.

 

So the bottom line is that lingual braces can offer the perfect solution to getting a straight smile but in a totally discreet way. If you are still deciding on lingual braces, Manchester patients before and after photos will help you to see the outstanding results that can be achieved with this method. Whether you’re interested in clear view braces, fast orthodontic treatment, or lingual braces, we would be happy to book you in for a consultation with Dr. Shi Karim and the team to discuss all your options and any further questions. Call us on 0161 660 1218 or fill out the contact form found on our website. On behalf of the team, we looking forward to meeting you and creating your dream smile.

Inman Aligner Braces

Inman Aligner Cost – A Guide to the Inman Aligner

If you’ve ever read a lingual braces blog, or have sought information about clear braces Manchester or Inman Aligner cost, you’ll know that there are a wide variety of treatments available to straighten teeth. Some braces are discreet while other are invisible. Others are long-term while some are super speedy, and some braces are attached to the inside of the teeth while others adopt the more conventional approach of showing a mouth full of metal every time you smile. There are conventional treatments, modern alternatives, and some that don’t even look like teeth braces at all. In fact, at the very least you could say that the amount of choice is bewildering. While it’s true that there isn’t one particular appliance to benefit every person in every situation, there’s one orthodontic system that saves a great deal of time and that’s the Inman Aligner.

So what exactly is the Inman Aligner?

In the past, the only option for those seeking teeth straightening treatment was to wear those all too familiar metal braces. You know…the ones that used to catch the sunlight when the person smiled, almost blinding you. For children and teens this wasn’t, and still isn’t, so much of a big deal. After all, those are the years where most of us appear a little gawky; but what if you’re an adult? What if you have a job where you regularly meet with clients? Or suppose you have an active social life and don’t particularly want to have brackets attached to your teeth for the next 18 months-2 years? For these reasons, it’s understandable why people take the other route and choose to put up and shut up about their crooked teeth instead.

The Inman Aligner, however, has changed all that. Nowadays, not only can patients wear an orthodontic appliance that’s discreet, but even better they don’t have to permanently wear it for the next 2 years. In fact, it’s designed to be fully and easily removable and what’s more, the average treatment time is around 4 months.

So if it isn’t permanently fixed to the teeth, how does it work?

If you’ve ever read a lingual braces blog, you’ll know that even appliances that are fitted to the inside of the teeth are attached with brackets and wiring. In essence, every time the appliance is adjusted it exerts pressure on the teeth to move them in the right direction. So how then do an appliance without these features and one which is designed to be fully removable work? The answer? Springs and bows!

A series of coiled nickel-titanium springs are utilised to move two bows or bars (one at the back of the teeth and one at the front). The springs work in conjunction to add opposing forces to the bars eg, one pulls while the other pushes. This causes the bows to gently squeeze the teeth and as they apply gentle pressure, they’re moved back into position. Ultimately the springs and bows give a greater range of movement which is why they’re able to move teeth fast.

That’s great” I hear you say “Now I can get my whole smile straightened in super quick time

Not so fast!” There is a small catch, or rather a caveat….

Unlike conventional full-term appliances or other types of clear braces, Manchester patients should note that the Inman Aligner is only designed to straighten the upper and lower front teeth which are visible when you smile. It can’t straighten posterior or back teeth. This I guess is the compromise or Inman Aligner cost!

Is this a compromise too far?

Well, no not really! You see, many people are looking for simple cosmetic fixes to improve their smile and don’t particularly want to be shackled into a metal style brace system for years on end to achieve this. It could be that they have an upcoming family event such as a wedding and want to look their best. Alternatively, they might want to start dating again after some time out or have an impending job interview where first impressions count. Whatever the scenario, the Inman Aligner gives them the opportunity to achieve a straighter smile fast with minimal disruption in the meantime. In fact for any adult or teenager who is in need of mild to moderate orthodontic work, there is nothing better than the Inman Aligner.

So what about looks, after all, they’re not invisible like certain clear braces in Manchester? True, but these tend to cost more and take longer to achieve similar results. That said all people may see is a very thin metal bar which runs across the front of the teeth. That’s even if you choose to show them because remember, the Inman Aligner isn’t designed to be permanently fixed. Instead for optimum results it’s best worn for 16-20 hours a day and should be removed when eating and drinking. So for a more versatile orthodontic solution, the Inman Aligner is perfect.

 

If you’ve been seeking information on a lingual braces blog, or have previously been looking at clear braces such as Invisalign, it’s fair to say that the Inman Aligner offers a clear alternative. To find out if you’re a good candidate, or to discuss Inman Aligner cost then don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Shi Karim and the team. Phone us on 0161 486 0743 or fill in the booking form on our website. On behalf of Church Road Dental and Cosmetics, we look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

Orthodontic Manchester

Orthodontic Manchester Treatment – Understanding Teeth Braces

When you’re told you might need orthodontic Manchester treatment it can seem pretty daunting and you’ll probably want a lot more information before deciding whether or not to go ahead. For instance, we’re frequently answering questions such as “Does wearing braces in Manchester hurt?” or “How long does Invisalign Manchester take to work?” That said we know that having a good understanding of how teeth braces work and how they can help you, makes the process much less daunting and can better prepare you for your orthodontic journey towards a healthier smile. With this in mind, here are some of the most common FAQ’s answered.

Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?

Chronologically speaking there is no specific age when it’s best to get braces. The fact is that whether you’re nine or ninety, teeth can be moved at any age with the right treatment. That said, adult teeth may take slightly longer to move because they have denser bone mass and a lower metabolic rate and there are certain things that cannot be accomplished once the jaw stops fully growing. Therefore children between the ages of ten and fifteen are considered the best age to incorporate any early orthodontic intervention, but adults can still benefit greatly.

Does wearing teeth braces hurt?

With advancements in technology orthodontic braces in Manchester have been made smaller and are more comfortable than their predecessors. For example, with Invisalign, Manchester patients get to wear invisible lightweight aligners which are designed to be fully removable. This is in contrast to the heavier metal style braces of old which were permanently attached to the teeth. As such, problems such as catching on the tongue and rubbing on the gum are now pretty much eradicated. That said, where patients may feel some slight discomfort is when the braces have just been adjusted or (in the case of Invisalign) a new aligner fitted. This usually lasts for a few days only and can normally be brought under control using over-the-counter painkillers.

How long does orthodontic Manchester treatment last?

Orthodontic treatment in Manchester varies from one patient to another depending on the severity of their condition. As a result, there is no set time. In cases where a patient has a slight aesthetic problem with their smile such as a crooked or unevenly spaced front tooth, then they may only need fast or accelerated orthodontic treatment. In this case, it may take as little as 6-12 weeks. Conversely, if a patent has more severe malocclusions then treatment can take 2-3 years. Generally speaking, for short-term treatment the average is 4-6 months and for longer term treatment the average wear time is 18 months.

Can I eat a normal diet?

In essence, the answer is yes, but you may want to avoid certain hard or sticky foods. Sticky foods such as toffee can cause damage because it can stick to your tooth braces and cause tooth decay. Whereas harder foods such as boiled sweets, raw carrots, and ice cubes have been known to break teeth braces. In addition, avoiding foods which are high in sugar is a good idea because plaque can get lodged in between the braces making it harder to reach with a normal toothbrush. As a result in some cases, tooth decay can occur. That said, braces such as the Inman Aligner and Invisalign Manchester are designed to be removed every time you eat and drink. This means that wearers can continue to eat what they like provided they brush their teeth before placing the aligner back in the mouth.

How often do I need to visit the orthodontist once treatment is underway?

Once your braces in Manchester have been fitted you can expect to return to the practice every 4-6 weeks for adjustment. Even with removable aligners such as Invisalign, which are replaced every two weeks by the patient, they can still expect to return to the practice periodically for progress checks to ensure that teeth are moving where and how they should be. This way any problems or issues can be addressed early on before they become complicated to fix.

Do I have to wear a mouthful of metal?

The good news is that orthodontic Manchester treatment has evolved over the past decade or so and nowadays orthodontic manufacturers recognise the need for discretion. After all, not everyone wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal. Appliances such as lingual braces which are worn behind the teeth and the clear acrylic nature of Invisalign means that in these cases, the only people needing to know about your braces is you and your orthodontist. Ceramic braces using tooth coloured brackets and wiring are also popular and can help eradicate that metal smile.

So can I lead a normal life?

Absolutely yes! Modern day braces in Manchester allow you to do exactly that. There’s nothing to stop people from leading a normal healthy life as you should still be able to exercise and play a sport. That said for certain contact sports such as rugby or American football, it’s advisable for patients to wear a mouth guard. In addition (especially with removable braces) patients are advised to clean their teeth after every meal. However aside from that there really shouldn’t be a problem.

Will I need a retainer after treatment?

Yes! Retainers are an integral part of the overall treatment and they continue to keep the teeth straight once treatment is complete. Moreover, they help the muscles and tissues adapt to the new position so that the teeth don’t revert to their previous form. Depending on the degree and seriousness of your condition, your retainer may at first have to be worn permanently for several months, but after a period of time, it may only need to be worn on some occasions at night. Either way, your orthodontist will advise you on the best course of action when your treatment is coming to an end, so don’t worry!

 

So there you have it. Hopefully, this has answered some of the most frequently asked questions enabling you to have a better understanding of orthodontic Manchester treatment and what it entails. If you’d like to know more about Invisalign Manchester, or any other type of braces in Manchester then book yourself a consultation with Dr. Karim and the team at Church Road Dental. Remember you shouldn’t have to endure a less than perfect smile, so to make an appointment pick up the phone and dial 0161 660 1218 today.

Invisible Braces – What Are They And How They Can Help

Invisible Braces – What Are They And How They Can Help

It’s fair to say that for most people dental braces have a certain stigma attached to them. Whether it was because they had to endure wearing them as a child, or whether they knew someone that was continually called names like ‘brace face‘ or ‘metal mouth‘, the thought of having to go through orthodontic treatment as an adult is enough to put many people off. For this reason, a whole host of invisible braces and clear fixed braces were invented to ensure that adults could get the treatment they need. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Lingual braces

If you saw pictures of  a mouth with both lingual braces before and after pictures it’s fair to say that you would definitely notice the difference. Yet we’d also wager that during the treatment you wouldn’t even notice that the person in question was wearing them. Why? Because they’re incredibly discreet. Whereas conventional braces are designed to fix to the front of your teeth by means of brackets and wiring, lingual braces attach at the back of the teeth. This means that patients can smile, speak, and eat without people ever knowing that they’re wearing them. What’s more, their orthodontic treatment can continue in complete discretion.

Clear fixed braces

In essence, clear fixed braces are similar to conventional metal-style braces in that brackets are attached to the front of the teeth and wires threaded through; except this time, rather than being metal, the brackets are a white ceramic colour and the wiring is both thinner and tooth coloured for a more discreet feel. Similarly to conventional braces, clear fixed braces can fix a number of tooth problems including tooth overcrowding, irregular tooth spacing, and tooth alignment issues.

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are about as far removed from traditional braces as you can get. Otherwise known as invisible braces, these aligner style appliances have many differences. Unlike conventional brace systems, they’re designed to be fully removable. In addition, rather than one appliance lasting for the duration of the treatment, Invisalign treatment consists of a number of aligners which are worn sequentially and changed every two weeks. Perhaps the best thing about Invisalign is that they do away with brackets and wiring altogether in favour of clear acrylic trays which are worn over the teeth like a gum shield. Because of their transparency Invisalign braces really are virtually invisible to anyone else but you.

 

If you’d like to find out more about lingual braces before and after, invisible braces, or clear fixed braces then come and talk to the orthodontics team at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. To book an appointment contact us directly on 0161 660 1218 and start the ball rolling towards restoring that perfect smile.

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.

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.

Lingual Braces Manchester

Inman Aligner Braces And Lingual Braces – Why They Differ

While conventional orthodontic procedures are essentially metal appliances that are worn over the teeth, lingual braces and fast orthodontic treatment such as Inman Aligner braces are different; but why? Let’s take a closer look.

Pushing, pulling, or both?

Traditional modern braces may appear more discreet than metal ‘train-track style’ braces of old with ceramic brackets and tooth coloured wiring but despite this, it’s likely that someone will still be able to tell that you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance. This is because there’s no getting away from

that distinctive (although tooth-coloured) wiring that spans the length of your teeth. However when you opt for lingual braces, all the action cleverly takes place behind the smile. (Lingual means tongue in Latin). In this case, small brackets are skilfully secured to the rear of the teeth and the wiring is the threaded through the brackets, so everything is controlled from the rear. What this means for the wearer is that nobody has to know they’re wearing them because there is no ‘tell tale’ sign when smiling or speaking. They work in the same way as conventional braces in that they move teeth by applying gentle force. However, rather than applying force which gradually pushes the teeth back into position, lingual braces can effectively pull the teeth from behind.

Conversely Inman aligner braces utilise a different technique. Instead of either pushing or pulling teeth back into position, the Inman aligner uses two spring loaded titanium bows which work together using force and motion to simultaneously push and pull the front teeth back into position. The result is a greater possible array of movement in a quicker time. In fact, if a person was looking for a speedy way to straighten their front upper and/or lower teeth, then fast orthodontic treatment doesn’t really get any quicker, with treatment taking on average 8-12 weeks to complete.

Quick, quick, slow

Despite their differing advantages over conventional braces both lingual braces and the Inman  Aligner have their disadvantages. Like many traditional style brace systems, the lingual system is what’s known as a full-term appliance. What this means is that it can correct a wide range of orthodontic problems, including bite issues and realignment of the tooth root, over a long period of time (usually somewhere between 1 and 2 years). However because the appliance is attached to the back of the teeth, it often takes a lot more ‘getting used to’ when it comes to speaking – particularly the correct annunciation of certain words and vowels.

Alternatively, while the the Inman aligner is arguably easier to get to grips with, because of the way it’s created, it’s designed specifically to fix certain teeth only. Namely the upper and lower front six teeth. Therefore for those with crowded or problem teeth situated at the rear of the mouth, the Inman aligner isn’t really an option.

That said, both the Inman Aligner braces or lingual braces work to great effect in their specific areas of expertise. So if you’re not happy with your smile and are considering full-term or fast orthodontic treatment, then come and talk to our professional team who can advise. Why not book a consultation by calling 0161 660 1218. Here you can get all your questions and concerns answered and gain all the necessary knowledge you need to make a fully informed dental decision.

Hulme Orthodontics –The Types Of Dental Braces Explained

Hulme Orthodontics –The Types Of Dental Braces Explained

Years ago choosing dental braces was a straight forward process. You had conventional metal appliances and that was it! Nowadays, patients are bombarded with a wide variety of brace types including fixed lingual braces, Manchester removable aligners, discreet ceramic braces, and fast orthodontic treatments such as 6 month smiles. Manchester patients might understandably be overwhelmed at the choices available. To make things simpler, our Cheadle Hulme orthodontics team has broken them down into 3 simplified sections to give you a better understanding of what they can do,

Full-term fixed braces

There are basically two types of braces in this category. You have your conventional style braces which are fixed to the front of the teeth. These can either be metal or ceramic with tooth coloured wiring. Alternatively you have your lingual braces. In Manchester, and indeed many other parts of the country, people tend to opt for lingual braces because unlike conventional fixed braces, these are attached to the back of the teeth. This makes them invisible when you smile or speak. Both types can fix a wide variety of problems and both are full-term appliances, meaning patients can expect to wear them for a minimum of 12 months and up to 2 years.

Fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments

Fast orthodontic treatments are perfect for those people who are looking to cosmetically improve their smile. This could mean an unsightly gapped or flared tooth or teeth that are slightly crooked. Accelerated orthodontic treatments work by concentrating their efforts only on the front upper and lower teeth which are visible when you smile. Because they aren’t dealing with more complex problems such as bite alignment issues, results are achieved quickly (usually within 6 months or less). Treatments such as 6 month smiles Manchester, C-Fast, and Secret Smiles are all fast working, fixed brace systems that utilise brackets and wiring to gently move teeth into the desired position. As a result they’re ideal treatments for those who have an upcoming event that’s looming fast and want to look their best. This could be a wedding, a large family gathering, a job interview, or even a date.

Removable braces

As well as fixed braces, patients can also opt for removable braces. Two of the most popular are Invisalign and the Inman Aligner. As the name suggests removable braces are designed to be taken out by the patient, usually when eating, drinking, and cleaning their teeth. They’re about as far removed from the fixed bracket style braces as modern dentistry allows. Invisalign aligners for example are a series of clear plastic appliances that are placed over the teeth just like a gum shield. Each aligner in the series is designed to move the teeth a tiny amount and then it’s changed for the next one in the series. Because removable braces aren’t in place all the time, the patient has a little more freedom. That said, for best results both the Inman Aligner and Invisalign need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day.

At our Cheadle Hulme orthodontics practice we do everything we can to make sure that the brace treatment we suggest suits your requirements, your budget, and your lifestyle. Whether you need, long term fixed braces using conventional or lingual braces Manchester or fast cosmetic treatment using 6 Month Smiles, Manchester patients can feel safe in the knowledge that we have it covered.

If you’d like to talk to us about having straighter teeth or would like more information about our wide range of brace systems available, then come and pay a visit to our Cheadle Hulme orthodontics practice. To book an appointment contact us on 0161 660 1218 and start the ball rolling towards achieving that perfect smile.

Inman Aligner Before And After – Crooked to Straight Teeth Faster

Inman Aligner Before And After – Crooked to Straight Teeth Faster

More and more people having seen for themselves Inman Aligner before and after pictures are choosing to have this type of treatment, and not without good reason. For example, the Inman aligner cost UK people less for their treatment than with other aligners such as Invisalign. In addition, since it’s termed as an accelerated treatment, it achieves results faster. But how exactly does the Inman Aligner straighten teeth? Let’s take a closer look.

If for example, you’ve read on a lingual braces blog about other forms of discreet orthodontic treatment and how they operate, you’ll know that the Inman Aligner is different in many ways. Firstly it’s known as a removable brace system, meaning it can be easily put in and taken out of the mouth. This is unlike many other orthodontic appliances that are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment. Also, as the name suggests, it does away with traditional brackets and wiring which have long been associated with conventional brace systems. So how do they work?

Like all other types of orthodontic appliance, they operate by applying sustained and gentle force to the teeth in order to slowly move them back into position. What’s different about the Inman Aligner is that it uses applied pressure to the front and back of the teeth using buccal and lingual spring loaded bows to move them quicker. As a result the differences seen in Inman Aligner before and after treatment pictures can be achieved in a matter of weeks, as opposed to months with other systems. This makes it suitable as a stand alone treatment or as a primary treatment before undergoing other cosmetic treatment such as bonding and/or porcelain veneers

Compromised orthodontic treatment

The Inman Aligner is known as a compromised orthodontic treatment in that it only straightens the six upper and lower teeth which are visible when you smile. Since it has the ability to do this in as little as 4-12 weeks, it can be said that the Inman Aligner cost UK patients very little time too.

While the Inman Aligner isn’t ideal for every case, it is perfect for those needing minor teeth straightening or for those who have a big event coming up and who really want to look their best. All treatment is planned using a 3D computer so that the dentist knows exactly how much space needs to be created or closed; but in addition the patient can see exactly how their smile will look, before they commence treatment.

If you’ve read a lingual braces blog and feel that you need something equally as discreet; or you want to avoid the conventional fixed bracket and wiring brace systems and the often lengthy treatment times, then consider the Inman Aligner. The differences seen in Inman Aligner before and after pictures can be pretty impressive and what’s more, treatment is carried out in a fraction of the time. So why not give us a call on 0161 660 1218 and ask us about Inman Aligner cost UK and how it can help restore your great looking smile.