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.

Important Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist Manchester

If your Manchester dentist has recommended you see a local orthodontist, Manchester it’s only natural you might feel a little wary. This is understandable because in the past orthodontic treatments have been less than flattering especially when it comes to aesthetics. Nowadays however orthodontic treatments have progressed and adult treatments such as invisible braces Manchester, offer discreet treatments that are a million miles away from the clunky, metallic, train-track style braces of old. That said, it’s still important to ask the right questions in order to get the most out of your consultation. With this in mind, here are some of the top questions you should be asking, plus the answers.

How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

The answer to this question depends on many factors including the degree of the condition, the requirements of the patient, and of course the patient’s cooperation. Generally speaking if you have a mild problem and are really only concerned about the aesthetics of your smile, then your orthodontist in Manchester may well recommend fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments. These can take just a few weeks to several months to complete. Alternatively if you have a more serious dental condition, or are after full jaw and bone alignment, then longer term treatments are usually the better option. These take anywhere between one to three years to complete.

How does the treatment work?

Custom made braces are designed by the orthodontist according to the dental issue you have. They may be fixed bracket and wiring style braces or removable aligner style systems. They can also be made of ceramic, plastic or metal. Whatever the style and type, they all work by applying a controlled but gentle continual force which pushes or pulls the teeth slowly back into alignment. The methods used may be different but the results are the same.

Are there more discreet treatments?

It’s understandable that many adults are cautious when being told that their teeth would benefit from wearing braces. Chances are they remember someone from their schooldays sporting a less than flattering mouth full of metal and it kind of puts them off. The good news is that conventional metal-style braces are only one of a multitude of braces designed for adults. In addition there are brace systems known as lingual braces which are worn on the inside of the teeth so they can’t be seen when you smile or speak. Or alternatively there are more conventional style ceramic braces that utilise tooth coloured brackets and wiring. Finally how about an aligner style brace made from a strengthened thermoplastic? These are virtually invisible. As you can see there are a multitude of fixed and removable discreet and invisible braces in Manchester, designed to fit in with your lifestyle.

Do teeth that have braces need special care?

It’s advisable that people with fixed braces avoid sticky or excessively hard foods. In addition chewing on pens, pencils, or indeed fingernails, can also damage the braces. When it comes to cleaning, removable braces simply get taken out and replaced after the teeth have been given a thorough clean. With fixed braces, more care needs to be taken to brush in and around the brackets and wiring to prevent food particles from becoming lodged. Regular flossing is also important.

What does orthodontic treatment cost?

Orthodontic treatments can vary considerably in price depending on the type of system you need. Any orthodontist in Manchester should be more than happy to discuss costs and payment options before treatment starts. Most practices offer a variety of finance options so payments can be spread over a number of months, making treatments more affordable, so it’s worth asking the question.

So there you have it – All the important questions you should ask your orthodontist Manchester in one handy place. Of course if you’d like to find out more about invisible braces Manchester or any other type of brace system them contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics for a consultation. To book yours call 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards restoring your great looking smile.

Manchester Clear Braces – What To Do If you Lose One

Manchester clear braces such as Invisalign have revolutionised the way we think about orthodontic treatment. No longer do patients have to wear a mouthful of metal if they choose not to. Instead clear braces offers Manchester patients a discreet aligner style brace system that they can take in and out as and when they choose. However because clear braces Manchester such as Invisalign are made from a clear strong medical grade thermoplastic, they become very hard to spot when put down on a surface like a kitchen worktop. As a result they can easily get mislaid.

The issue is that Invisalign treatment works by using a series of braces rather than one. Each aligner moves the teeth to a certain position before the next one in the series takes over. As a result it’s imperative that they are worn in order. For obvious reasons the entire treatment will become problematic if you happen to lose one. So if this does occur what should you do?

Firstly don’t panic. As a precautionary measure it’s always best to keep your previous aligner. The reason is that you should always have something on your teeth. If you don’t wear anything for a period of time your teeth may be inclined to drift and all the hard work carried out this far will be undone. By keeping the previous aligner you’ll always have something to fall back on to avoid further movement.

The second step is to contact your dental practice right away. They will give you advice. You won’t be the first to have lost a retainer and you won’t be the last, so be honest and tell them what has happened. Whether you left it somewhere, accidentally put it in the washing machine, or the dog chewed it, they’ve probably heard it all before.

The first thing they’ll ask is “Have you been wearing the lost aligner and if so, how long for?” If you’ve worn it for a week or more, then it could be a case of simply moving onto the next one in the series.

If however you’ve only been wearing your Manchester clear braces for a day or two, or not at all, then the practice will need to order you another one from Invisalign. Patients should note that if this is the case, there will be a replacement or remake fee as this is a service that the company charges for.

Finally if you’ve lost your retainer (the device that’s worn after your clear braces Manchester treatment) then again, contact the practice immediately. They will put plans in place to fit you with another one. If your teeth don’t have anything to hold them in place, you run the risk of having your teeth move again, so speed is of the essence.

If you really want to avoid the hassle of losing an aligner here’s a top tip…

Always make sure that you take your aligner case with you everywhere you go. This way when you’re eating you can avoid the fatal mistake of wrapping it in a napkin and then forgetting it’s there, only to throw the napkin plus the contents inside away.

Remember, while clear braces offers Manchester patients the chance to have straighter teeth without all the conventional brackets and wiring that other braces do, they only work if you mind your aligners.

To find out more about Manchester clear braces, or about how we can help you restore your smile contact us today on 0161 660 1218. Our highly experienced orthodontic team have a wide range of clear braces Manchester to suit your needs and budget so come and talk to Dr Shi Karim and the team at our Church Road Dental Practice.

Fastest Orthodontic Treatment – 6 Month Smiles vs Inman Aligner

There are many situations why you might want to opt for the fastest orthodontic treatment. It could be that you have an upcoming event and want to look your best; or alternatively, you just can’t wait that long using conventional braces to achieve your dream smile. Either way, two of the speedier treatments are the Inman Aligner Manchester and 6 Month Smiles Manchester. Certainly with the latter, the name would suggest a speedy or accelerated treatment; but just how fast are they?

Before we go into the finer details of each treatment it’s worth pointing out that accelerated or fast orthodontic treatments are quick for a reason….

While speedy braces take a fraction of the time to straighten teeth, they have their limits. They can’t for instance straighten the tooth root or correct more complex bite problems. Instead they work by concentrating their actions on the front 6 upper and lower teeth. In other words accelerated treatments are ideal for those wanting a quick-fix solution to gapped or crooked front teeth which are visible when you smile. However anything more than this and long-term braces are usually the answer.

All that said, fast braces are on the rise, so which is the fastest orthodontic treatment?

6 Month Smiles

For those looking for quick smile treatment 6 month smiles would suggest that it takes around 6 months for the brace system to work. In some cases this is true but in many cases 6 months is usually the maximum time it takes. Generally speaking the average treatment time for 6 Month Smiles Manchester is around 5 months. That’s just 20 weeks! 6 month smiles are a traditional bracket and wire brace system. The brackets and wiring are permanently fixed for the duration of your treatment and work together to move teeth back into the desired position. This form of treatment works best for patients with mild alignment problems at the front of the mouth coupled with a great bite at the back.

Inman Aligner

The other candidate for fastest orthodontic treatment is the Inman Aligner. Manchester dentists will often recommend the Inman Aligner because unlike other brace treatments it’s easily and fully removable. In fact it’s only designed to be worn for around 20 hours a day. The fact that you’re supposed to remove it when eating and drinking prevents food particles from becoming trapped. Thus making the Inman Aligner one of the best options for retaining good oral health.

Also unlike 6 Month Smiles treatment it doesn’t operate under the conventional system of brackets and wiring. Instead the aligner uses a series of springs that power two aligner bows. (One at the front of the teeth and one at the back). As one pushes the other pulls, creating a gentle squeeze-effect on the teeth. Treatment time on average takes 6-18 weeks with the average being around 12 weeks or 3 months in length.

As with 6 Month Smiles it won’t be for everyone and successful treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. However assuming that all is equal, it’s safe to say that the fastest orthodontic treatment is most definitely the Inman Aligner with 6 Month Smiles coming a close second.

If you’d like to find out more about the Inman Aligner Manchester or 6 Month Smiles Manchester then contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics today. Shi Karim and the team deal with all aspects of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry including fast and long-term orthodontics. Call us now on 0161 660 1218 and book yourself a consultation. We’re looking forward to helping you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

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.

Do Clear Braces UK Hurt?

Despite the multitude of questions about how much treatments like the Inman Aligner cost UK patients, or what clear braces offers Manchester patients, one of the most frequently asked questions for those seeking orthodontic treatment is ‘Do clear braces UK hurt?’

For many adults and children alike, orthodontic braces are the unknown. Moreover a patient may have experienced less than enjoyable dental treatments previously and are understandably anxious. The good news is that orthodontics is generally regarded as one of the gentler branches of dentistry and therefore patients aren’t likely to encounter any needles or drills.

That said, most braces aren’t without a little discomfort because whether you opt for conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, or aligner style clear braces, UK patients need to consider the fact that their treatment does involve moving teeth. Therefore in order to help prepare you for your upcoming treatment, here’s an idea of what you can expect.

Initial consultation

During the consultation process the dentist will usually need to take X-rays of your teeth and jaws. Like standard X-rays these are pain free – all you need to do is to remain still. In addition we might need to take impressions of your teeth. Again this process is pain free, but if you have a strong gag reflex it might feel slightly uncomfortable as the process involves filling plastic trays with a putty-like substance known as alginate. This is then placed over the teeth one jaw at a time. If you do suffer with a high gag reflex, then let your dentist know and they’ll do all they can to make you feel comfortable.

Fitting the brace

Whether the benefits that clear braces offers Manchester patients have swayed your decision, or having taken into account the Inman Aligner cost UK you’ve decided that you would prefer removable braces over fixed, there is no need to feel anxious about having your braces fitted. For removable aligner style systems such as Invisalign it’s simply a case of showing you how to insert and remove your aligners. However for fixed braces, the fitting (or bonding as it’s known) will take slightly longer. Using a special dental cement the brackets are carefully attached to the teeth. Then we thread the metal wiring through the brackets and hold them in place with bands or sliding clips.

Although you’ll leave the practice feeling absolutely no pain after having your braces fitted, it’s not uncommon for your teeth to start aching slightly after a while, and your cheeks may become a little sore. These are perfectly normal but unwelcome side effects that last for a few days. We advise patients to take over-the-counter pain killers such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol or Aspirin to relieve any pain.

Adjustments

Periodically you’ll need to return to the dentist for brace adjustments. Again for a few days after, some patients may experience mild tooth pain and this is totally natural, but mild pain killers should easily keep it under control.

Removal

Whether you opt for accelerated brace systems or a lengthier process there will come a time when the braces need to be removed. Again with removable brace systems such as Invisalign or the Inman Aligner, cost UK in terms of time is minimal because it’s simply a case of taking them out of your mouth and that’s it. With fixed braces however, the process take a little longer. Your dentist will use special clippers to carefully snip the wiring and remove the brackets. When this is being done patients may feel a little pressure on the teeth but no pain. Once the brace has been removed any cement is cleaned off leaving your teeth looking clean, straight, and even.

So there you have it! If you’re still a little unsure about being fitted with clear braces UK, or are considering what clear braces offers Manchester patients like yourself, then give Church Road Dental a call today. Our experienced team led by Shi Karim has the skills to create perfectly straight teeth that you’ll be proud of. Contact us today on 0161 660 1218 to book a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first steps towards achieving your perfect smile.

Orthodontics Manchester – The 4 Different Types Explained

Not everyone has perfectly aligned teeth and this is why more and more children and adults are seeking treatments for teeth straightening. Manchester patients for example are becoming far more aware of the importance of straighter teeth and a visit to our smile dentist Manchester will give you all the information you need to know in order to make an informed dental decision. However just to give you a head start, if you’re having problems with your teeth, your dentist may recommend any one of 4 available orthodontics Manchester treatments. These are as follows…

Conventional braces

Normally made of stainless steel, conventional braces are the cheapest kind of orthodontic treatment. These are also the only type of braces available on the NHS. A series of brackets hold self-tensioning wires in place which run across the front side of the teeth. As they contract, gentle pressure is applied to the teeth which in turn moves them into position.

The downside is that they are highly visible, so they’re not ideal for those looking for something more discreet. In addition, they can also make it difficult to brush and floss around your teeth, so dentists generally recommend that sticky foods should be avoided.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are only available through private dentists and feature brackets which are tooth coloured and wiring which is either white metal or clear plastic. They’re far more discreet so make an ideal choice for patients looking for less obvious forms of orthodontics. Manchester dentists do however, state that the tension wiring or plastic that helps to straighten the teeth can be prone to staining. Because of this, the wiring should be replaced every month or so when the brackets are tightened.

The negatives are that ceramic braces are considerably more expensive than conventional braces and being ceramic, they can be prone to chipping or breaking, so greater care is needed when wearing them. That said a visit to a smile dentist in Manchester will give you all the details you need to make an informed choice.

Lingual braces

Unlike conventional braces or ceramic braces which are worn over the front of the teeth, lingual braces are secured behind the teeth. This requires a complicated process of fitting which only specialised orthodontists can perform. Because the brackets are noticeably smaller and fit behind the teeth, those seeking teeth straightening Manchester using lingual braces need to have relatively large teeth. As a result they aren’t suitable for everyone and they certainly don’t come cheap. In addition because they impact the tongue when speaking, they can take some getting used to. That said, lingual braces are incredibly discreet and can treat a wide variety of problems. As a result they’re a great choice for those people who have customer facing roles or for those who are in the public eye.

Invisible braces

When it comes to orthodontics in Manchester, invisible braces are by far the most expensive type of braces that you can buy. However don’t let the price be the deciding factor because what they lack in value for money, they more than make up for in so many other ways.

Firstly invisible braces such as Invisalign aren’t really braces in the conventional sense of the word. In fact they don’t contain any brackets or wiring at all. Secondly, where all other brace types are fixed in place for the duration of your treatment, this type of ‘aligner-style’ brace system is designed to be easily and fully removable. Finally instead of having one brace for the duration of a treatment, patients have a whole series of them which are changed every two weeks.

So how does it work?

Each aligner or tray is made from a clear acrylic and is designed to fit snugly over the teeth, kind of like a gum shield. During this time the teeth are gently forced into a pre-determined position before the next one can be worn. This process is repeated until all of the aligners have been worn and the patient has reached the end of their treatment and achieved perfectly straight teeth.

Unlike other teeth straightening Manchester techniques, invisible braces such as Invisalign are designed to be removed every time the wearer eats or cleans their teeth. This helps protect the teeth from any tartar build-up.

The only negative aside from the price is that you need to be disciplined enough to keep them in for 20 hours plus a day and also, because the trays are virtually invisible, just like a contact lens they can easily be misplaced.

So there you have it, the 4 different types of orthodontic treatments explained. If you’re seeking orthodontics Manchester treatment because you’re in need of teeth straightening Manchester, come and visit our smile dentist Manchester for a consultation. To book yours contact us on 0161 660 1218 today and start the ball rolling towards a straighter smile and healthier teeth.

Orthodontic Manchester Treatment – Am I Too Old To Get It?

There’s a general consensus that those who seek orthodontic Manchester treatment are of a younger generation, and even those who choose adult orthodontics are still at a relatively young age. While it’s true that brace systems work particularly well on children the fact is that healthy teeth can be moved at any age. So are you ever too old for braces? Let’s take a closer look…

At our Hulme orthodontics practice we tell patients that most smiles dental Manchester treatments aren’t necessarily about age. Instead the deciding vote often boils down to 3 main factors. These are:

The current state of your periodontal (dental/gum) health
The current state of your overall health
The type of treatment you need

Let’s take a closer look at each in turn…

Periodontal health

Gum disease for example which leads to bone loss is more prevalent in adults than in teenagers and/or young adults. This consideration is important because for effective orthodontics to work, teeth are gently moved within the bone that supports them. If orthodontic treatment is being carried out at the same time as progressive periodontal disease, treatment can aggravate the problem and make it worse. While bone loss isn’t a complete deal breaker when it comes to orthodontic Manchester treatment, it’s essential that any periodontal problems are brought under control before any treatment starts.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions too aren’t always conducive to smiles dental Manchester treatments. Problems such as bleeding disorders, uncontrollable diabetes and heart valve disease may be problematic when undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment. In addition certain drugs used for help with conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis can make tooth movement difficult. Finally lifestyle choices such as smoking can have a tendency to dry out the mouth quickly. While this can be overcome normally, prolonged mouth dryness can make the wearing of braces uncomfortable. Whether you seek Hulme orthodontics or go elsewhere, we strongly recommend that you tell your dentist if you have any medical conditions or indeed smoke, so that they can carry out a proper treatment plan taking into consideration these factors.

Type of problem

Another issue that impacts on orthodontic treatments is the degree and type of the problem. For example, if you have an over or underbite then this could be skeletal related. In a full-grown adult this may require corrective surgery as the problems doesn’t always lie with the teeth alone.

The main point to take from this is that when it comes to a healthy happy smile and straightening teeth in particular, there is no age cut-off point. You could be a healthy 60 year old with no underlying issues, just as you could be a 20 year old with severe gum disease. So if you need further advice on any type of smiles dental Manchester treatment, or any orthodontic Manchester treatment, contact our Hulme orthodontics practice at Church Road Dental and talk to Shi Karim and the team. To book your free consultation call today on 0161 660 1218 and let us help you restore your great looking smile.