Invisalign uses a series of clear removable appliances, called clear aligners, that work to gradually bring the teeth into the desired position. Treatment generally takes between 10 to 20 months. The aligners are custom fabricated for each individual. Aligners are changed approximately every two weeks to keep the teeth moving towards the desired position. Compliance with wear is absolutely essential and a commitment is required to wear the appliances for 22 hours per day.

Advantages:

The aligners are clear and so are virtually invisible while being worn.

They are very comfortable.

For patients involved in music and theatre they have the advantage of being able to be removed for performances.

The aligners can be removed for eating.

That the aligners can be removed allows for easier tooth brushing and flossing.

Disadvantages:

Not all patients are suitable for Invisalign treatment and a variety of orthodontic problems are best treated, or can only be treated, with braces.

In some cases a short course of braces is required if the teeth are not moving with the Invisalign appliances as required.

All of the above aspects can be reviewed with the orthodontist to work out which is the best treatment to suit you. If Invisalign is not suitable, there is still the option of aesthetic clear braces for the upper teeth (often called the social six as they are the teeth most visible). The vast majority of patients find these clear braces to be very acceptable.

Braces are still the most common means of straightening the teeth though out the world. They are usually the most effective method and often the least expensive treatment. Braces consist of attachments (called bonds or brackets) which are glued to the teeth. The wires (archwires) are placed and clipped to the brackets. The technical term for braces is fixed appliances. Treatment with braces takes about two years.

We use what are termed self ligating braces. The wires are held in place by clips built into the brace. Colours can still be placed on the braces if desired. Also good news is the type we use are termed Minis as they are small making them less obvious and more comfortable.

Bands are usually placed around on the back molar teeth. These are the anchors. The bands are basically rings that fit around the teeth. Prior to placing bands we will place what are termed Separators. These are small rubbers placed between the back molar teeth to make small gaps so we can easily fit the molar bands.

Progress in the technology of archwires has been a major part of the “magic” of orthodontics in the last 10 years.

Archwires used in the initial phase of treatment have memory. This property allows the wire to be threaded to misplaced teeth. The wire will try to regain its original shape and gently straighten the teeth.

The main or working (as orthodontists call them) archwires do not have memory and can be bent and individualised at each appointment to suit each patient’s treatment requirements.

Elastics or rubber bands are sometimes used in orthodontic treatments. These are especially helpful in aligning the upper and lower jaws. When help is needed to move teeth elastics may be stretched from these teeth and attached to either the upper or lower appliances (braces etc.). It’s important to wear these as you are instructed or orthodontic treatment will take longer. We will provide you with very clear instructions on how and when to wear the elastics.

These are also termed ceramic braces. They are only slightly more expensive and we will be happy to discuss whether your orthodontic case is suitable for clear braces. Most adult patients find these meet their aesthetic demands. We now use aesthetic self ligating braces. This means we can eliminate the use of individual elastic modules, which can discolour (particularly after a curry meal). In the mouth, self ligating braces are very aesthetic.