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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.

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.

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.

Lingual Braces Before And After – How They Straighten Teeth

If you’re one of the many millions of adults who suffer with crooked or misaligned teeth your best option is to opt for orthodontic treatment. Whether you choose conventional metal braces, ceramic clear fixed braces, or more discreet varieties such as Invisalign Manchester or lingual braces, before and after results can be quite a transformation. In this post, we’re going to focus on lingual braces and take closer look at what they are and how they straighten teeth.

So what are they exactly?

Lingual braces are often referred to as inside braces or hidden braces because rather than being attached to the outside or front of the teeth, they’re secured to the inside or rear (lingua is Latin for tongue). This means that all the metal parts such as brackets and wiring which would normally be visible when you smile or speak, are now hidden behind the teeth. Because of this, nobody need know that you’re wearing them. In fact, it’s fair to say that they’re about as discreet as fixed braces get, and for this reason they are popular with image conscious adults who want straighter teeth but don’t particularly like the image of sporting a mouth full of metal.

How do lingual braces work?

The principle behind lingual braces is the same as any other orthodontic appliance such as ceramic clear fixed braces or aligner style braces such as Invisalign. Manchester patients may be surprised to learn that aside from the way they’re attached they really are no different. Just like standard braces, tensioning wires threaded through brackets work to apply gentle sustained force on the teeth. Over a period of time (this could be anywhere from 9-24 months) the teeth gradually move and eventually realign. The only real difference is that any force applied is carried out on the back of the teeth and not the front.

Are lingual braces difficult to wear?

Like conventional fixed braces, they may take a little getting used to. Because they’re attached to the back of the teeth they can interfere with the tongue causing a slight lisp when speaking. However, the good news is that this is normally only short lived and most people (after some practice) return to speaking normally within a few weeks. In addition and again, like many other types of fixed brace system, patients may experience slight discomfort for a few days after adjustment appointments. However any discomfort felt soon dissipates as your teeth get used to the new applied force.

So are lingual braces worth it?

For the vast majority of patients the difference in appearance between lingual braces before and after pictures is astounding. As well as a perfect straight smile, patients can experience an improved bite, improved oral health, and an all-round healthier you!

For more information about lingual braces, clear fixed braces, fast orthodontic treatments, or aligner style appliances such as Invisalign, Manchester-based Church Road dental and Cosmetics is the place to go. Dr Shi Karim and the team have a wealth of experience in orthodontics and have the ability to correct any dental problems no matter how severe. To find out more, why not contact us on 0161 660 1218 and book a no-obligation consultation today.

Orthodontic Manchester Treatment – How Are Teeth Moved?

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.

Invisible Braces Manchester – The Various Types Explained

As an adult, one of the biggest stumbling blocks that prevents people from having orthodontic treatment is a lack of discretion. Let’s face it, no adult wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal, but fortunately this is where dentists can recommend invisible braces. Manchester patients for example can wear them without feeling self-conscious about smiling or speaking. Indeed, treatments such as Invisalign braces in Manchester are about as discreet as teeth braces can be. That said, Invisalign Manchester are only a small part of what are designated as ‘invisible braces’ so let’s take a closer look at the various types available.

Ceramic ‘clear view’ braces

Similarly to traditional metal style braces, ceramic clear view brace systems utilise brackets and wiring which work together to move teeth back into alignment. Also just like conventional braces they are fixed to the mouth for the duration of the treatment. More often than not this may be 1-2 years. However where they differ is that rather than being made from metal, ceramic clear view braces make use of tooth-coloured wiring and brackets to ensure better discretion.

Lingual braces

If you’re in search of something slightly more discreet, you might want to consider lingual braces. Again they work by using brackets and wiring to push/pull teeth back into position and likewise they’re considered a longer-term treatment. However instead of the brackets being attached to the front of the teeth, instead they’re attached at the back. Ultimately this means that when you smile or speak your lingual braces aren’t on show. When it comes to Invisible braces, Manchester dentists will often recommend these to fix a wide variety of issues. The downsides are that because all the action takes place at the back of the mouth, they aren’t that easy to fit and in addition they can take some getting used to. That said, lingual braces are a popular choice.

Invisalign

Perhaps the ultimate in invisible brace systems is Invisalign. Manchester dentists often recommend these to patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment, but want treatment that is totally discreet. Invisalign braces Manchester are radically different in many ways. In fact, they’re as far removed from conventional braces as it’s possible to get. For example where the others are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment, Invisalign braces are designed to be fully removable. In addition brackets and wiring are exchanged for aligner-style clear acrylic shells which are worn over the teeth. I say ‘shells’ plural because rather than the one singular appliance, Invisalign treatment utilises a whole series of aligners which are changed every two weeks. This can mean as many as 48 different appliances all working to move the teeth spanning the duration of your treatment. On the downside, it’s thought that acrylic aligners aren’t as bio-metrically strong as bracket and wiring style braces and therefore aren’t recommended for those needing major orthodontic treatment. However for the ordinary person who simply wants straighter teeth as discreetly as possible then Invisalign ticks all the right boxes.

If you’re seeking Invisalign braces Manchester then come and talk to Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. With our experienced team on hand, we can answer all of your questions and concerns, allowing you to make an educated dental decision. To book a consultation call us on 0161 660 1218

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.

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.