For those of us not blessed with naturally straight teeth, to achieve that winning smile that everyone strives for, it is necessary to undergo some kind of orthodontic straightening procedure. In most cases this will involve having a brace fitted. This is often a large sacrifice to make; having a mouth full of uncomfortable and unseemly wires for months is a large price to pay for straight teeth. Braces are often fitted to patients in their teenage years, which is an emotionally difficult time to stand out from the crowd. For older patients, the idea of wearing a brace has a certain stigma attached that they are often unwilling to confront.

There is now an alternative. Clear or invisible braces from Invisalign, introduced in 1999 by Align Technologies, can help to straighten teeth without the need for obtrusive metal braces. Invisalign is a series of clear plastic retainers that are specially designed for the patient’s teeth, worn for two or three weeks at a time before being changed, that make small adjustments in the teeth structure. It usually takes twenty or so sets of retainers to achieve the desired affect, only marginally longer than conventional metal braces and with minimum visual difference to real teeth. In fact, Invisalign braces are so discreet it is almost impossible to notice them unless up very close to the wearer.

Made form one millimeter thick plastic, the retainers also have the added advantage of being completely removable. This means that meal times are less fuss, and no foods are off limits unlike with metal braces.

Invisable braces have existed before, but with the aid of computer aided design and manufacture, Invisalign braces can be produced to stunning levels of accuracy. The use of 3D projections can accurately predict the expected outcome of the system and can adapt to any changes if necessary. Central London dentists offer Invisalign as an alternative to normal metal braces, so you may be able to straighten your teeth without having to sacrifice your smile.

In the past, it seemed like only adolescents and teenagers wore orthodontic braces. However, more recently braces are also being worn by adults. Approximately 30% of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are adults, and others countries are catching up to this percentage. Even though this trend is here in London, it is still a good idea to start orthodontic treatment at an early age for the best results. Your London dentist recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation at 7 years old. Malocclusion and crooked teeth are both a restorative and cosmetic issue. Independent of your age, orthodontic treatment can help to protect your bite, increase your teeth’s ability to perform their functions, and align your teeth, allowing for a more aesthetic appearance. Additionally, straighter teeth can make good oral hygiene easier to perform and maintain.
If your dentist feels that you are a candidate for orthodontics, they will most likely refer you to an orthodontist (i.e., a specialist in the field). Initially, the orthodontist will use various methods to develop your treatment plan. These methods include: facial and intraoral photographs; a facial, oral and functional exam; panoramic and cephalometric radiographs; and alginate impressions for your plaster dental models to analyse your teeth and bite. Then the orthodontist comes up with a specific treatment plan for just you, and presents this to you during the second visit. The orthodontist will also tell you how long the whole process will take. This is usually dependent upon the complexity of the situation, how well the treatment plan is followed, and the age of the patient. Younger patients usually have shorter treatments than adults, due to the supporting bone structure around the teeth. But, this again is dependent upon a number of other factors.