There are a whole host of orthodontics options on the market today and it can all be very confusing for someone wanting straight teeth. So, in this blog I will try and break it down for you; Highlight the Pros and cons of each treatment.
Broadly speaking, braces can be broken down into two types:
- Wires and brackets
- Clear trays
Each system requires a high level of hygiene, regular cleaning and we cannot initiate treatment in cases where there is decay (HOLES) in the teeth.
Braces also mean you have to refrain from fizzy drinks and things like toffee, to name a few.
Every system also requires a commitment of visiting the dentist once a month, so that we can keep a close eye on movement and make necessary changes to your treatment.
1. Wire Systems
Wire systems include “6 month smiles” and “quick straight teeth” amongst other brands and have clear brackets as well as a clear white wire.
These work well for cases where teeth are twisted and work very quickly, often 6-10 months in easy cases. However, individual times will vary depending on movement, and a lot of my patients tell me that friends and family barely notice they are wearing them.
The downside to this treatment is that brackets can loosen or discolour, and in some patients are said to rub or cause ulcers.
2. Clear Trays
The other system we have are clear trays, with popular brands “Invisalign”, “Smiletru” or “Clearsmile”.
With these, impressions are taken every 6 weeks and the trays provide pressure to move the teeth. Generally easier cases work well with these systems but they are fantastic, as they are clear and completely discreet. They take marginally longer to work than wires and are dependant on being worn 22 hours a day. Disadvantages are that they can feel extremely tight to begin with and also affect speech in the initial stages.
A dentist with a special interest in orthodontics will usually manage your front 6 teeth only. For more complicated cases, fixed wires are the best solution, where you would be referred to an orthodontist.
Orthodontists are dentist with extra qualifications and this is their specialised field. If a case is too complex it will often be referred to an orthodontist, who can handle both simple and difficult cases.
Fixed wires always provide the best long term results but are visually obvious. Many patients prefer more visually discreet methods and prefer to avoid fixed wires.
