In the age of modern dentistry, we completely understand the desire that patients have; to find the most straightforward and minimally-invasive type of orthodontic treatment going, and to have the option of choice. It’s for this reason that we offer a selection of brace types here at our dental practice in Nottingham, all of which are cutting-edge and successful in producing amazing results for patients.
With this in mind, is there a “best” brace to opt for, and if so, which is it?
Are some braces better than others?
The braces designs of today are considerably more sophisticated than those of 20 years go. Significant advancements have taken place during this time, pushing more and more adults to have their teeth straightened. This said, the traditional metal brace still has its place in the world of orthodontics.
Traditional metal braces still use the same methods to move your teeth as they did many years ago. They apply continuous pressure to your teeth and jaws which in turn, changes their position and alters the way you whole smile appears. This can also result in a re-balancing of your features, as your smile will be symmetrical, as well as wider.
If you’re someone who isn’t keen on the idea of a fixed metal brace, you also have the option of ceramic metal braces and Invisalign, which we will explore in more detail later in the blog.
What kind of braces can I choose from at Cliftonville Dental?
As a dentist in Norwich, we offer several brace types to suit a range of cases and wishes.
These include:
Invisalign:
The case for
If you’re someone who is looking for the most discreet option for your treatment, and you want minimal alternations to your daily lifestyle, Invisalign might be for you. Not only are the aligners made from transparent plastic, they’re also removable. The advantage of these features means it’s barely noticeable and you can take it out for everyday things like eating and brushing.
Invisalign is extremely popular; since 2000, over 9 million people have had treatment with Invisalign, including celebrity names like Niall Horan, Billie Eilish and Tom Cruise.
Things to consider:
- You must remember to wear your aligners for 22 hours each day. If you feel this might be challenging for you, you might be better suited to a fixed brace.
- More expensive than fixed braces.
- The aligners are prone to staining, should you forget to remove them before eating and drinking.
- More easily lost, as they’re removable.
- Supplemental braces may be required for complex cases.
Traditional metal braces
The case for
Metal braces have been used for many years, and there’s a good reason why; they’re extremely reliable. In recent years, they’ve been designed to look less obtrusive and they’re also more comfortable. It’s also possible to opt for ceramic metal braces. These blend in well with the translucency of natural tooth enamel and the wires included are match to your tooth shade.
Traditional metal braces are also extremely versatile. They can deal with virtually any case of misalignment, gap, crowding and bite problems. If you’re someone who doesn’t want the hassle of keeping track of the number of hours you wear your braces (as is the case with Invisalign), fixed metal braces might be a better option for you.
Things to consider
- You will need to be thorough with your brushing and flossing, as it’s easy for food to become stuck in your brace.
- Fixed metal braces may take a little bit more getting used to than Invisalign aligners.
- Avoiding teeth staining food is recommended.
- Hard and sticky foods can get stuck in your brace.
What if I only need to straighten my front teeth?
A brace to correct more cosmetic-orientated problems didn’t exist, until Six Month Smiles came along. This short term treatment is designed specifically for top and bottom front teeth (otherwise known as the “social six”), correcting problems like misalignment, crowding and gaps. The time frame of Six Month Smiles is also something that’s been very attractive to our patients who have come to see a dentist in Nottingham for their treatment. Taking as little as 4-9 months, it’s a treatment that can yield results in a very short time frame.
As it’s a brace focused on cosmetic adjustment, Six Month Smiles is only suitable for patients who have had all their adult teeth come through. They’re a particularly popular brace with people who have a special occasion around the corner, like a wedding or an anniversary.
The takeaway
The type of brace that is “best” for you will depend on how complex your case is and your individual requirements and desires. Whilst one patient might not see limitations on their diet as a reason to shy away from fixed braces, another may wish to have the freedom to carry on eating their normal diet. It’s all about identifying your priorities during treatment so that it works best for you.
Contact a dentist in Nottingham for teeth straightening treatment
Sama Ria is our dentist with a special interest in orthodontics. Following several years of postgraduate training, she was awarded the Membership in Orthodontics by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. Her warm and friendly nature is always a hit with patients and she has overseen hundreds of orthodontic cases during her time at Cliftonville Dental.