Adult braces may be the best way to trans form your smile but the crowded market for these types of treatments can lead to a problem of too much choice. Although choice is a brilliant thing - it can also make us uncertain and sometimes scared of making a decision. In this article I aim to cover the general types of braces that are available to you so that you can understand what is possible but more importantly so that you can confidently take the first step forwards to the smile you have always longed for.

Types of Braces for Adults

Six Month Smiles Fixed Braces

Six Month Smiles adult braces work in a similar way to traditional braces although with a move towards more invisibility. These types of braces are fixed to the teeth with brackets and special dental adhesive. This fixed approach means that your dentist can make extremely finite movements to straighten the teeth exactly how they need to. The brackets are clear in appearance and the wire used to connect the brackets together is similar in colour to your teeth. This makes the brace as discreet as possible whilst still being fixed to your teeth. A great advantage to the Six Month Smiles brace lies in its name. Where most alternatives can take over eighteen months to straighten your teeth, Six Month Smiles does it in just six. This type of brace can only work as well as the dentist who is treating you. Experience is key here and so I would implore you to find a dentist who is experienced in this type of brace. Our principle dentist is the leading provider of Six Month Smiles fixed brace treatment in Wales and so would be an excellent person to discuss your options with. Best suited for: Adults (16 years and older) who have either crooked or spaced teeth and are not in need of major correction of your bite. In short, most adults are suitable for this type of brace but you will need to consult with your local dentist to find out for sure!

Invisalign Removable Aligners

Clear aligners are the new kids on the block. At least, compared to fixed braces. Aligner systems such as Invisalign are great for those looking at discreet methods of straightening their teeth. Invisalign is not only see through but the adult braces areal so removable. This means that you can remove the brace to brush your teeth and for special occasions. It is recommended to keep them in for as long as possible though or else you risk the chance of prolonging your treatment time. The treatment typically takes place over a 12-18 month period although the amount of movement needed will dictate the time you will need to wear the aligners for. Clear aligners are not ideal when a patients teeth are extremely crooked. In this type of case you would be better off going for a fixed braces that allows your dentist to manipulate the movement of your teeth with greater precision. Best suited for: Those in need of moderate correction who are concerned about the appearance of their brace. It is important to note that due to the removable nature of Invisalign braces, you must consider whether you will be disciplined enough to keep the aligners in your mouth for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. If you are unsure whether Invisalign is right for you, why not try out this free smile assessment from Invisalign themselves.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is a hybrid of traditional metal braces and clear aligner systems such as Invisalign. The Inman Aligner is great at correcting protruding front teeth and the best part? It can work in just 6-18 weeks. If you don't require major adjustments then the Inman Aligner is likely the best option for you.

How Does it Work?

A key part of theInman Aligner is itsTitanium coils. These coils power two aligner bows that gently move in opposing directions, in the process, nudging the teeth into the desired position. In this image you can see the 'squeeze effect' in which the front bow pushes the teeth inwards whereas the inner bow pushes them forwards.

• Get in touch with a certified dentist who will determine your suitability for the Inman Aligner.
• Impressions of your teeth are taken so that your unique aligner can be created.
• The aligner will be fitted by your dentist.
• You must wear the aligner for around 16-20 hours per day.
• You will undergo regular Inman check-ups every 2-3 weeks.
• You will be given a free retainer to keep your teeth straight going forwards!

Best suited for: It is suitable for those looking to straighten their teeth or for those looking to pre-align their teeth before going ahead with another cosmetic treatment such as dental veneers.

Traditional Fixed Metal Braces

These old school braces are the cheapest of the bunch. This is largely due to the fact that they are quite unsightly and outdated. Few people opt for this type of brace nowadays due to the garish look and the stigma attached to wearing such a brace.They do, however, work very well in straightening the teeth. The main drawbacks are the aesthetics of the brace and that the treatment time can take up to two years. The length of treatment is usually longer than more technologically advanced braces due to the fact that these braces are older and have not progressed to the level of their branded competitors. Best suited for: those not too self conscious who are looking for the cheaper option that still gives great results.

In Conclusion:

Whether you prefer shorter treatment time or a more discreet brace, there are plenty of options out there for you. It is always important to discuss your options with your dentist in detail. For some, the way your teeth are currently positioned may dictate the best brace for you. It is only your local dentist who can give you solid advice on this.

Are You Interest in Adult Braces

For those seriously thinking about improving their smile, Bamboo offer a free consultation with our award winning dentist. If you are interested in talking through your options then please get in touch via though contact form below.   Alternatively call us on:

029 2056 9769