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Teeth Straightening Manchester – Your Guide to a Straight Smile Fast

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

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

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

So what options are available?

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

Inman Aligner

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

6 Month Smiles

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

Invisalign

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

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

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

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

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

Teeth Straightening Manchester – Should You Try The Inman Aligner?

When it comes to teeth straightening Manchester, one orthodontic procedure that’s gaining a lot of popularity in the UK right now is the Inman aligner. UK residents should note that it’s a removable appliance that’s designed to straighten the upper and lower front teeth fast. Normally orthodontic treatments take 18-36 months on average to complete depending upon severity of the condition. However because the Inman aligner Manchester focuses it’s attention on the aesthetics of the smile rather than bite function, results can be achieved in as little as 6 weeks.

So should you try the Inman Aligner?

Where many other orthodontic brace systems are multi-functional, meaning they fix a wide variety of dental issues, the Inman aligner is designed specifically to address overcrowded teeth in patients who have neglected to wear a retainer after previous orthodontic treatments. Clearly these people aren’t overly keen on having to wear fixed bracket and wiring style braces, as they’ve been through the process before, so a removable aligner style brace system could be the answer.

So how does it work?

If you’re concerned with overcrowded or crooked teeth that are visible when you smile, then teeth straightening in Manchester utilising the Inman aligner offers the perfect solution. It consists of a series of nickel titanium coil springs that power two metal bars known as bows. Each bar opposes the other and as they push and pull, they gently guide the teeth back into position. These forces are also active over a large movement range which is why the Inman aligner UK can deliver super-fast results.

Aside from the speedy treatment times, the other advantages of the Inman aligner Manchester over alternative orthodontic treatments are that it’s designed to be removed to enable users to clean their teeth properly. In addition patients only have to wear it for 16-20 hours a day so it enables them to enjoy their food. Perhaps most importantly, as force is being applied from different directions, less pressure is required to shift teeth, therefore wearers should experience no painful movements.

The Inman aligner UK has the ability to change a smile and what’s more, it can transform it fast. So if you’re looking for a quick fix solution to teeth straightening Manchester, the Inman aligner may just fit in perfectly with your needs and requirements. Contact our Church Road dental practice to find out more on 0161 660 1218 today. Alternatively, why not book a no-obligation consultation with Shi Karim and the team and take the first steps towards transforming your smile.

What Are Invisible Braces And How Do They Differ?

When it comes to adult teeth straightening in Manchester, it’s good to know that people have a multitude of options open to them. While patients can of course opt for conventional metal braces, others prefer a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment such as tooth-coloured ceramic clear braces. However for some, even the thought of having fixed braces (tooth-coloured or not) permanently attached to the mouth for the duration of their treatment is a major obstacle. For this reason a sensible option may well be Invisalign Aligners – more commonly known as invisible braces.

So what exactly are invisible braces and how do they differ?

While ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear fixed braces are all designed to be more discreet than say conventional metal braces, they still utilise a system of brackets and wiring which are fixed to the teeth. The issue for some people is that they can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to speaking. On the contrary, Invisalign aligners do away with brackets and wiring altogether in favour of a series of clear acrylic trays which are worn over the teeth like a gum shield. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth into a certain position before it’s removed, discarded, and changed for the subsequent one in the series. Eventually after a number of aligner changes and 9-24 months down the line, the patient has straighter teeth.

Are they really invisible?

In a word yes! Because they’re manufactured from a clear acrylic, they’re virtually invisible. Braces under normal circumstances can be seen when a person smiles or speaks (even the tooth coloured, clear braces variety if you look close enough). However Invisalign are virtually impossible to spot, making them the perfect option for image conscious adults. That said there is a caveat….

Invisalign aligners do need to be removed every time you eat or drink anything except water. The reason for this is that the aligners can stain easily. Obviously when this happens your invisible braces won’t be quite so inconspicuous. So to avoid this they should always be removed and replaced directly after any eating or drinking.

What conditions can they treat?

When it comes to teeth straightening Manchester orthodontists can treat a number of conditions including malocclusions, overcrowding, twisted or crooked teeth, tooth gapping and root alignment. The good news is that because invisible clear braces such as Invisalign are a full-term treatment, they can help to treat most of these conditions. However it’s always best to ask your dentist for advice.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about invisible braces and how they differ. If you’d like to find out more information, or you’re interested in invisible brace treatment, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 for an appointment. Dr Karim and the team are standing by to help.

Orthodontic Manchester Treatment – How Are Teeth Moved?

It’s fair to say that most people know that teeth straightening in Manchester involves orthodontic Manchester treatment. Where typically a series of fixed brackets and wiring move teeth through applying sustained gentle force, Invisalign Manchester utilises a series or aligners (trays) to gradually move teeth. Either way teeth are realigned through force; but how exactly does this work? Let’s take a closer look.

You may be surprised to know that tooth movement is actually quite a complex process and it involves many different cells, tissues, and sensing signallers. When force is applied to the tooth root via the brackets and wiring of an orthodontic appliance, the tissues surrounding the bone and the cells within the tooth are stimulated to act.

Firstly pressure directed at the point of the orthodontic bracket applies both pressure and tension down at the tooth root. This then signals to cell sensors to take action. In this case cells surrounding the tooth (known as osteoplasts and osteoclasts) work to add and/or remove bone respectively, depending upon which direction the force is being applied. As such there’s a time lag from the point of pressure to the moment any tooth movement occurs. This delay in movement results in the way that the body adds or removes bone adjacent to the tooth. On most occasions when pressure is applied, the bone that’s closest to the tooth root isn’t moved initially. Instead bone some distance away from the root is removed at first.

Gradually after a period of 1-2 weeks the teeth straightening Manchester process starts to become more noticeable as the bone undergoes significant and more rapid changes. At this point bone is now being removed and being rebuilt closer to the new position of the tooth root, and as a result the next few weeks will see more noticeable changes. However this does depend heavily on the amount of force still active against the tooth.

So what does all of this mean for a patient seeking orthodontic Manchester treatment? In essence this has a bearing on the frequency of ongoing adjustment appointments. For example early on in the treatment the dentist may use a flexible tensioning wire with a longer activation time. This is so that gentle force is sustained over a longer period of time, and allows for easier stimulation, which in turn kick-starts the realignment process. With this in mind appointments might be somewhere between 6-12 weeks apart. However as the treatment progresses the wires will be less flexible and as a result more frequent activation is needed to maintain stimulation. This is why later on in the treatment appointments might be 2-6 weeks apart.

Ultimately the length of treatment does depend upon the severity of a patient’s condition. In addition there are also many variables that can shorten or lengthen treatments. These include patient co-operation (this applies to removable appliances such as Invisalign Manchester), speed of bone growth/regeneration, and speed of tooth movement. For this reason each treatment is different,

If you need teeth straightening Manchester and would like to talk to us about Invisalign Manchester or any other form of orthodontic Manchester treatment, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 today and book a consultation. Dr Karim and the team are here to answer any question or concerns you may have, allowing you to make an informed dental decision.

Orthodontics Manchester – How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

If you’re in need of teeth straightening, Manchester dental practices specialising in orthodontics in Manchester can help. At our smiles dental Manchester office for example, we offer a wide range of treatments designed to help realign teeth. These include fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments such as C-Fast, Secret Smiles, and Six Month Smiles through to lengthier full-term treatments such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign aligners. While you don’t have to look far to find information about each individual treatment, it’s more difficult to find information on how braces actually work. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look.

The first thing to note is that despite the many different orthodontic appliances available they all perform the same function and that is to straighten teeth using applied gentle force. Although there are some subtle differences in the way that this is done, generally speaking appliances are either fixed to the teeth or placed over the teeth to force them to move/turn/grow in the right direction. So how is this achieved?

Fixed appliances

Fixed orthodontic treatments are what most people would recognise as traditional braces. These are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment and consist of four elements.

Brackets
Bonding material
Arch wire
Ligature elastic/O Ring

Firstly our smiles dental Manchester team will help you choose the right brace system to suit your needs and/or requirements. Once you’re happy, then small brackets are attached to each tooth using a special type of bonding material. These can either be coloured or silver in the form of conventional braces, or ceramic tooth coloured for discretion. Alternatively, in the case of lingual braces, they can also be attached to the back of the teeth.

Next an arch wire is attached. This runs from bracket to bracket and is used to apply sustained gentle pressure on the teeth which in turn encourages them to move/twist back into the right direction.

Finally a small coloured piece of elastic known as a ligature or O ring holds the arch wire onto each bracket. The elastic ligature can be adjusted to help the arch wire to apply greater pressure in a certain position and is usually carried out by the dentist during a visit if necessary, although with some types of teeth straightening, Manchester appliances utilise O rings that can adjust of their own accord. These are known as self litigating braces. As pressure is adjusted and tweaked accordingly, the teeth respond and will eventually become straighter.

Removable orthodontics Manchester

As opposed to fixed brace treatments, removable orthodontics are designed to be easily removed by that patient during periods of eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. It’s suggested that it gives the wearer better dental hygiene because there is zero chance of food particles becoming trapped; but also, it gives the user greater control (within reason) over when they wear them. Treatments such as Invisalign aligners are one such appliance. So how do they work?

Just to complicate matters, Invisalign aligner treatment doesn’t rely on just one appliance for the duration of the treatment. Instead it involves a whole series of appliances/aligners (sometimes as many as 48 over a 2-3 year period). Each aligner is made from clear acrylic and is designed to be worn over the teeth like an invisible gum shield for a short period of time (approximately 2 weeks). As the first aligner is worn, it’s been made to fit snugly over the teeth forcing them to move a fraction of a position (usually around 1/10mm). After two weeks, the teeth should have moved sufficiently so the first aligner is discarded and the next one in the series is worn which moves the teeth a little more. The whole process is repeated again and again every two weeks until eventually, the teeth have reached the desired position.

As you can see, both types or orthodontic appliance have the ability to move teeth using sustained and gentle force, but it can be achieved in different ways. If you’d like to find out more about how orthodontics Manchester can help you achieve a straighter healthier smile then talk to our smile dentist Manchester about teeth straightening Manchester today. Why not book yourself a consultation by calling us on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards having a smile that you can be proud of.

Teeth Straightening Manchester – What Are The Methods Used?

If you’re seeking teeth straightening in Manchester it pays to speak to an orthodontic Manchester practice. At our smiles dental Manchester clinic we know how to match the right treatment with your needs and/or requirements. With this in mind,what are the types of treatment used?

Fast orthodontics

Otherwise known as accelerated or short-term orthodontics, fast orthodontic treatments are designed to focus their attention on the upper and lower front teeth which are visible when you smile. Treatment times range from a few weeks through to six months and are perfect for those looking for an aesthetic, quick fix solution. Brands such as Six Month Smiles, C-Fast, Secret Smiles and the removable Inman Aligner are perfect examples of quick orthodontic Manchester treatments.

Removable Aligners

While the majority of brace systems are permanently attached to the teeth for the duration of the treatment, there are a few which are specifically designed to be removed by the patient on a daily basis. Orthodontic appliances such as the Inman Aligner and Invisalign allow the patient to remove them for specific tasks such as eating, drinking, and brushing the teeth. This is done to maintain better oral hygiene, but it also means that the patient has the freedom to choose when and where they wear them. Removable aligners can ether be short term treatments (in the case of the Inman Aligner) or full term treatments (in the case of Invisalign).

Full term brace systems

When it comes to teeth straightening, Manchester patients may be looking for a longer term treatment to fully restore both the function and aesthetics of their bite. With this in mind, it’s possible to choose from a wide range of what are known as ‘full-term’ treatments. These include traditional metal ‘bracket and wiring’ style braces, discreet ceramic-style braces, lingual braces which are worn at the back of the teeth, and (as mentioned above) removable Invisalign aligners. Treatments last on average 18 months but can be completed in as little as 12 months or as long as 36 months, depending upon the degree of the problem.

If it sounds a little confusing, then don’t worry. At our Smiles Dental Manchester practice patients are in safe and experienced hands. We’ll help you find the right orthodontic appliance to suit both your needs and requirements. Whether you simply want to straighten your teeth after failing to wear a previous retainer or are looking for a quick fix solution to correct a crooked tooth, you can count on us. To enquire about teeth straightening Manchester or to book a consultation with our orthodontic Manchester team, then contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 today and take the first steps towards great looking teeth.

Teeth Straightening Manchester – 7 Benefits of Straight Teeth

If you’ve recently visited the dentist you might have been told that you need orthodontic Manchester treatment. While it’s fair to say that wearing braces in Manchester can be a lengthy process, teeth straightening Manchester has multiple benefits, many of which are health related. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Straighter teeth help to prevent major health issues

Did you know that having straighter teeth can reduce your chances of heart disease, a stroke, or diabetes? It’s true! Crooked teeth are difficult to clean and can harbour bacteria. If the bacteria isn’t treated or eradicated it can lead to serious conditions such as those listed above.

Straighter teeth means healthier gums

When teeth are straighter the gums fit more securely around the teeth. This creates a stronger defense barrier against the possibility of periodontal (severe gum) disease. Conversely when teeth are crooked or overcrowded they don’t sit perfectly against the gums and as a result the gums can be prone to attack from bacteria. Problem gums are normally identified by an inflamed/reddened appearance.

Straighter teeth prevents excess wear

When a patient suffers from crooked or overcrowded teeth it can lead to an inefficient chewing action causing excess wear to adjacent teeth. After undergoing a period of orthodontic Manchester treatment, straighter teeth means that proper bite function is restored.

Straighter teeth reduces the risk of accidents

Protruding or crooked teeth are often exposed making them far more likely to be chipped, cracked, or broken in the event of an accident.

Straighter teeth prevents TMJD problems

When teeth aren’t straight they place excess stress on the gums and bone that supports them. This can often led to a painful condition known as TMJD. Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorder is the dysfunction of the muscles used in the chewing process, the symptoms of which are usually chronic headaches, neck pain, or face/jaw pain. Thankfully orthodontic treatment such as braces Manchester can straighten teeth, therefore easing the causes of TMJD and lessening any pain.

Teeth straightening Manchester improves overall dental health

Crooked teeth can be the catalyst that causes gum disease which can attack and undermine other healthy teeth if left untreated. Ultimately periodontal disease can cause bleeding gums and mouth sores and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Teeth straightening improves confidence and self-esteem

Mental health plays an important part in our overall health. A wide range of studies have shown that by having a great looking smile, it not only increases self confidence and boosts self esteem, but ultimately it can dramatically improve our mental health.

If you’d like to find out more about how orthodontic Manchester treatment can improve your overall health then contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. We offer a wide range of discreet teeth straightening Manchester treatments ranging from traditional braces Manchester, through to contemporary state-of-the-art Invisalign aligners. So call us today on 0161 660 1218 to book your free consultation.

Clear Fixed Braces – Just How Discreet Are They?

Although fixed brace appliances are the most commonly used type of orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening in Manchester, many systems utilise metal style brackets and wiring. While this mightn’t be an issue for many adults, it’s understandable that for some, it’s sufficient reason to dissuade them from wearing them. For these people a better option might be clear fixed braces. So what exactly are they?

As the name suggests clear braces are fixed in the mouth for the duration of the treatment but instead of using metal brackets and wiring which are clearly visible when the wearer smiles or eats, they utilise tooth coloured brackets and clear wiring which is typically harder to spot. Ultimately this means that the wearer can go about their daily life without feeling inhibited or self conscious.

**So just how popular are clear fixed braces Manchester?**

As more adults are wanting orthodontic treatment clear braces are becoming more widely used. In fact clear brace orthodontic treatments have seen a huge spike in use over the past 5 years and it’s thought that within the next ten to twenty years adult-style metal braces will be a thing of the past.

So how do they work?

Clear fixed braces work in exactly the same way as metallic brace systems in that they straighten teeth by applying sustained gentle pressure to push or pull the teeth back into position. In fact all the component parts are the same except that the metal brackets and wire are replaced with ceramic tooth coloured brackets and acrylic tensioners. The only difference being the latter are considered more fragile than the former, meaning a patient needs to take greater care of them. In addition, just like their metal cousins, discreet braces can be used for both longer term teeth straightening treatments or short term accelerated treatments.

What about cost of teeth straightening Manchester – Are there any vast differences in price?

Surprisingly treatment costs are on a par. In general terms, clear ceramic braces start at around £2500-£3000 and can rise to double this and more depending upon the type and length of treatment you need. Similarly costs for a visible metal style brace start around the same price and can rise to double that for more specialised lingual braces.

Ultimately clear fixed braces, do the same job as their metal counterparts with an equal amount of success. Except as the name suggests clear fixed braces are more suited if you feel particularly self-conscious about having a mouth full of metal.

If you’re concerned about your smile or you’d like to find out more about clear fixed braces, Manchester-based Church Road Dental and Cosmetics can help. With the experience of Dr Karim and his orthodontic team, we can advise you of the best treatment to suit your needs. To book your consultation contact us on 0161 660 1218 today.

Teeth Straightening Manchester – Inman Aligner vs Invisalign

If you’re seeking adult teeth straightening in Manchester that doesn’t involve traditional bracket and wiring style appliances, you have several options open to you. Two of the main contenders are the fast orthodontic treatment of the Inman Aligner (cost UK – around £1200-£1500) or the longer-term Invisalign system (cost UK – around £2500-£4000). Aside from the initial pricing, there are some other differences too, so with this in mind, let’s take a closer look.

The Inman Aligner

As the name suggests the Inman aligner uses an ‘aligner’ style process to straighten teeth as opposed to conventional brackets and wiring. This utilises a series of springs and bows which apply continued gentle force in order to push and pull the teeth back into position. Primarily it’s used for those who failed to wear a retainer after wearing braces as a child and subsequently their front teeth have crowded. Generally these people no longer want the ordeal of having to wear full braces, but need a solution to their crowded teeth problems. For these reasons the Inman Aligner fits the bill perfectly. While the Invisalign system can also do this, its preferred use is for long-term, full orthodontic treatment. This is something the Inman Aligner can’t do.

Because the Inman Aligner concentrates its efforts on the front upper and lower teeth which are visible when you smile, success is usually fast. Orthodontic treatment involving the aligner tends to show results in as little as 4-12 weeks. However just like the Invisalign system, results are usually dictated by the patient’s willingness to wear the aligner which is designed to be easily and fully-removable.

So that’s the Inman Aligner. What about Invisalign?

If you have significant teeth problems and need long-term teeth straightening, Manchester dentists might suggest the Invisalign system. Just like the Inman Aligner it’s a removable ‘aligner style’ system that doesn’t rely on traditional brackets and wiring to move teeth. However unlike the Inman Aligner which relies on one single apparatus worn for the duration of your treatment, Invisalign involves a number or series of separate aligners. This could be up to 48 aligners for the treatment, depending upon the severity of your dental condition.

As a comprehensive orthodontic treatment, Invisalign works very well. However as we already know, a large range of tooth problems is something the Inman Aligner can’t fix. Should this matter? Not really no, because the reality is that perfect candidates for an Inman Aligner wouldn’t necessarily benefit better from Invisalign treatment and indeed, the opposite is certainly true.

Of course the type of patient needing treatment isn’t the only differing feature. If you’re after complete discretion then Invisalign wins hands down. Where the Inman Aligner has a small but distinctive metal bar that can be seen, Invisalign aligners consist of a series of clear acrylic shells that are worn over the teeth just like a gum shield. The idea being that each aligner moves the teeth to a subsequent position before it’s discarded and the next one in the series is worn. When the aligners are worn, it’s hard to notice them. On the contrary the Inman Aligner cost UK patients the chance of complete discretion. Whereas with Invisalign treatment taking anything from 1-3 years to complete, It means that patients can opt for long-term treatments without feeling self-conscious.

To find out more about teeth straightening, Manchester-based Church Road dental and Cosmetics are happy to assist. Come and talk to us about long-term or fast orthodontic treatment and start the ball rolling towards restoring that perfect smile. Contact us on 0161 660 1218 and book a consultation with Dr Shi Karim and the team.

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.