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.
