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.

Braces can help to radically improve the appearance of a smile. Not only do they align and straighten teeth but they can also improve bite and profile altering the appearance of more than just the teeth. However, braces can cause other problems in the mouth, especially if they are of the fixed bracket variety. Certain parts of braces such as wires and elastic ties can attract bacteria and brackets and palates can trap food particles which can be breeding grounds for bacteria.

If teeth are not cleaned sufficiently when wearing braces they can leave patched areas when the brackets are removed at the end of treatment. Therefore it is very important to keep teeth clean when you are wearing braces. This involves sticking to a cleaning regime very diligently and one that may be more vigorous than for people without braces. If teeth are not kept clean during orthodontic treatment it can cause dental decay and gum disease that may be very difficult to treat because of the braces. This can increase the damaging power of these conditions.

Central London dentists recommend that patients undergoing orthodontic treatment try to clean their teeth and braces four times a day, after each meal and before bedtime. This helps to remove food trapped in the brace and any bacteria that may have accumulated. It is also recommended that brace wearers floss at least twice a day. Carrying floss and a travel toothbrush with you can help you to remember to clean your teeth even if you are not at home. Your diet can also help to keep your teeth clean. By avoiding sugary foods during orthodontic treatment and eating more fresh fruit and vegetables you can help to keep your teeth healthy. Also, you will need to keep up your six monthly dental appointments.