ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS
Discover what type of braces is right for you at your specialist’s consultation
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign aligners are a series of clear, removable aligners. They are patient-specific aligners, customised to fit both arches that gradually straighten your teeth.
The aligners are replaced every two weeks on average, providing a gentle force to move the teeth. One important benefit of Invisalign is less journeys to the practice compared to metal braces. Invisalign patients are usually seen every eight weeks.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are made from stainless steel. They are the most common type of orthodontic appliance, especially in children but are also worn by adults, and are commonly known as “Train tracks”.
The Damon bracket type has experienced great advances over the years making the bracket-less bulky and smoother, and therefore more comfortable for the patient.
Ceramic Clear Braces
Clear braces are made from a tooth-coloured material such as ceramic. This gives them a tooth-coloured appearance.
Many adults choose this type of brace because of the relatively good aesthetics compared to metal braces.
Removable Appliances
Traditional removable appliances consist of an acrylic or plastic plate with wires and springs coming from the side to move the teeth.
They are mostly used in early orthodontic treatments for children. Removable plates usually need to be worn all the times except for cleaning, eating, and sport. They are not precision appliances and therefore cannot be used for complicated or fine-tooth movements.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are made from plastic or a combination of plastic and metal. They should be removed from your mouth during eating, tooth brushing, and sports.
The advantage of this retainer is that it can be removed for cleaning and you can have confidence that if worn as directed by your orthodontist your teeth remain straight.
Typically this retainer needs to be worn full time at the start of retention then nights only on a long-term basis, even when you have been discharged from the clinic.
Functional Appliances
These appliances are used both to move the teeth and to attempt to modify the growth of the jaws.
The most common objective is to correct a small lower jaw. Occasionally a functional appliance is the only orthodontic treatment that is required for a patient. However more commonly fixed appliances are also required and are either worn at the same time or after the functional appliance. To help take advantage of the normal facial growth which is already occurring.