Today’s orthodontic treatments are well suited to social adult lives, and clear aligners and braces often present a discreet and effective solution to problems associated with crooked teeth. One of the first questions our clients ask is, ‘Should I opt for braces or clear aligners?’ This is usually because they have concerns about how teeth straightening will impact their work and social lives. Choosing an orthodontic appliance because of its appearance is not necessarily a good idea. Your orthodontist will select either braces or a clear aligner depending on your treatment goals but will also take your lifestyle needs into account.
We explain more about braces and clear aligners.
Always act on specialist orthodontist advice
Orthodontics is as much about keeping your teeth healthy as it is making them look great. A straight smile is a happy smile, and modern orthodontists are trained to use a number of different tools to achieve this. The first stage of any orthodontic treatment should always be diagnosis and assessment. At Landmark Dental, this involves in-depth consultation, examinations, x-rays and models. Once a problem has been pinned down, your trained orthodontist will agree with you a bespoke treatment plan.
Braces for traditional and effective orthodontic treatment
Fixed braces are a conventional form of orthodontic treatment that have been used for decades to successfully treat a number of orthodontic issues. In the past, one of the concerns about braces has been their visibility and unattractiveness but they are an effective treatment often still used by orthodontists today
- Fixed braces are more visible than other orthodontic solutions
Fixed braces do have elements that are visible to other people and may cause you to feel self-conscious during treatment. However all of the fixed ceramic braces we use at Landmark Dental are clear or white and will blend in well with your teeth. We also use a wire and elastic bands to apply pressure to the teeth; these too can be unobtrusively coloured. - Fixed braces are not removable
You will not be able to remove fixed braces until your treatment has finished; this can be good news for people who are prone to losing things. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces at regular intervals during treatment. - Fixed braces require a regular hygiene regime
During treatment your oral hygiene needs to be routine and thorough. Braces can collect food particles and plaque, which should be removed by brushing and flossing throughout the day. Whilst wearing fixed braces, you should avoid sweetened or acidic drinks as well as hard or chewy food. - Fixed braces are not generally uncomfortable
Although it takes a while to get used to wearing braces, this often happens quite quickly. When you visit your orthodontist for regular adjustments, you might notice a bit of short-term discomfort but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain-relief.
Clear aligners for a discreet and adaptable orthodontic solution
Clear aligners such as Invisalign aligners are a more recent orthodontic breakthrough that has made treatment easier for those who are particularly concerned about their appearance. They consist of a set of bespoke aligners, which fit over the teeth and gently realign them and the jaw.
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign are less visible than other orthodontic treatments
Invisalign aligners are made from a thin, clear plastic and can’t easily be seen once fitted in place over the teeth. This near invisible approach can be great for those who feel they might feel self-conscious whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment. - You will be able to remove your clear aligners yourself
Clear aligners are very popular amongst adults because they can be removed for important occasions and for cleaning. Whilst it is important to wear these devices for a prescribed amount of time each day, many clients appreciate being able to remove them at times when they feel appearance really matters. - Clear aligners are easy to keep clean
It is important to avoid sweet or acidic drinks whilst wearing clear aligners but, because they are removable, it is easy to establish a cleaning regime for them. Clear aligners should only ever be inserted into a clean mouth. - Clear aligners are not generally uncomfortable
Any device that moves teeth is going to be uncomfortable from time to time. With clear aligners this can happen when you switch to a new aligning tray but this discomfort can be satisfactorily managed with over-the-counter pain-relief. In general clear aligners such as Invisalign offer a comfortable and flexible orthodontic treatment.
If you would like a straighter and more confident smile, and think you may benefit from orthodontic treatment, please get in touch with the team at Landmark Dental. We offer full consultation and examination and are happy to talk to you about your concerns and how we might be able to help. For a low cost initial consultation, contact us today.