Ever wanted to straighten your teeth but not that keen on the idea of metal braces? Well, you’re not the only one. In fact, for many years patients have been struggling with this dilemma and there has never been any really satisfactory answers. Until now. Over the last few years, dental technology has made some significant strides and one of the most popular with patients is the Invisalign braces system.

Invisalign is the first truly effective invisible brace system that uses one-millimetre thick plastic retainer type braces to hold teeth in place and apply a gentle force to straighten them. The system works by using a series of these retainers, each to be worn for about two to three weeks. With small adjustments in each new brace, the teeth are gradually repositioned over the course of treatment. In all, about twenty-five braces are needed for the average treatment, which will last about eighteen months. This is a quarter faster than the average treatment with traditional fixed-metal braces.

One of the other major advantages of the Invisalign brace is that it is completely removable. This gives it a flexibility and user-friendly nature that you just can’t have with a fixed-metal brace. The Invisalign can be taken out for eating, cleaning teeth as well as sports and social occasions.

However, by far and away the biggest difference when using the Invisalign system is that the braces are very discreet. In fact, it is very hard to tell if someone is wearing an Invisalign brace unless you are standing very close. This means that it is now possible to get the best of both worlds from your London dentist, a brace that works and doesn’t affect your appearance.

There has been a lot of coverage in the media in recent years about Invisalign invisible braces. They are the first really effective and invisible orthodontic straightening devices capable of achieving similar results to fixed metal braces but how do they really compare to the more traditional brace?

Invisalign braces were introduced in 1999 by Align technologies in the US and quickly caused a stir because of their ability to straighten teeth without the need for unattractive metal braces. Consisting of a series of one-millimetre thick clear plastic braces worn consecutively, the treatment aims to straighten teeth by making small adjustments in each new brace. Treatment usually lasts between a year and eighteen months, on average six months shorter than with conventional metal braces.

The braces are made using the latest digital technology allowing them to be very accurate so that they provide a comfortable fit over the teeth. Each new brace is worn for a period of between two to three weeks before being replaced. One of the major advantages of the Invisalign braces over fixed metal braces is that they are completely removable. This means they can be taken out for effective teeth cleaning and for eating. These are two of the most common complaints against fixed metal braces and the Invisalign addresses both of them.

London dentists offer Invisalign braces as an alternative to fixed metal braces for patients unwilling to make the sacrifice of up to two years of wires and brackets. Invisailgn braces are just as strong and powerful as fixed braces but may cost a little more. However, many patients see the added advantages of the Invisalign treatment as worth the extra cost.