Which braces system is best for you?

If you are one of the many adults thinking about having braces in 2017, then why not come in to us at Orpington Dental Care and see if we have the braces system that suits your alignment needs?

braces-in-orpingtonHere in Orpington, braces have come a long way since the train track heavy metal braces of the 1970s and 80s, where you could barely see the teeth for the steel. These days, the teeth are to the fore and with some braces systems, it is almost impossible to tell they are even there.

Braces in Orpington at Orpington Dental Care come in three different systems, each one of which has a slightly different method or aim. Let’s take a look at how each system could help you resolve your crowded, crooked, gappy or misaligned teeth.

Six Month Smiles

These braces use the traditional bracket and wire system, where the wires strung through the brackets pull the teeth into the desired position. But, as these braces are aimed only at correcting mild misalignments on the front six ‘social’ teeth, they do not need to exert such strong pressure as train track braces and are therefore much smaller and finer. Added to that the ceramic brackets are transparent, and the wires are tooth-coloured, so that they almost disappear against the teeth. Six Month Smiles are so called because that is the average length of treatment.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is designed to correct the front teeth, top or bottom, only. It uses a lingual coil spring, which fits behind the teeth, to put pressure on the back of them. At the same time a wire across the front of the teeth exerts pressure backwards. These two components work in unison to reposition the teeth. The Inman Aligner is great for correcting moderate crowding and rotation, is barely invisible and can be removed for eating, cleaning and important occasions.

Invisalign

These clear plastic aligner trays can treat the whole arch. Treatment involves wearing a series of them over a period of about a year, each one pressuring the teeth to move one step on towards alignment. The plastic is so thin and transparent that the aligners are all but invisible. They can be removed for cleaning, eating and special occasions.

So, as you can see, as far as braces in Orpington go, we have something for everyone here at Orpington Dental Care. Call us and find out what we can do for you.

Invisalign versus Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington

Are you hesitant to straighten your teeth as an adult because you believe that the only option is metal braces? Healthy teeth can be treated for teeth straightening at any age. Treatment more commonly begins while a child is growing, but that doesn’t mean that adults can not enjoy the benefits of teeth straightening.

braces-in-orpingtonAt Orpington Dental in Orpington, our dentists offer discreet teeth straightening options designed for adults, who find the thought of noticeable metal braces unappealing. To help adults achieve more attractive smiles without the use of traditional braces, we offer Invisalign and Six Month Smiles braces.

What’s the difference?

The main difference between Invisalign and Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington is that the latter integrates a traditional clear bracket and elastic system into its design that helps your teeth move into their right position. Invisalign instead consists of a series of transparent, removable aligners, which gradually move teeth into place. Both treatments are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than metal braces.

In terms of treatment length, Six Month Smiles braces work much quicker than Invisalign, because they do not require as many visits to the dentist. Six Month Smiles braces are designed to correct moderate cosmetic issues in a short period of time. Six Month Smiles treatment targets only the teeth which are visible when you smile.

On the other hand, the Invisalign system has the ability to move the posterior teeth and fix a wider range of dental problems. Since the braces are removable, this allows you to maintain better oral hygiene without compromising your daily routine and comfort. Despite the fact that Invisalign aligners have to be worn at least 22 hours a day for guaranteed results, it may be the ideal solution for better oral health over a longer period of time.

Find out more

If you are an adult with crooked or misaligned teeth but do not want to wear braces to achieve straighter teeth, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Orpington Dental. Our dental practice offers both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington.