Invisible braces and teeth straightening
Written by:Braces – the dreaded word we feared when we were younger! Nowadays, cosmetic or invisible braces can offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional metal braces, as a discreet way to improve your smile.
Leading London dentist Dr Mark Hughes uses cosmetic orthodontics to address any number of concern - including crowding or spacing problems, malocclusion, underbites or overbites, and TMJ disorder. He uses the latest techniques to equip individuals with virtually invisible or undetectable teeth straightening devices. Here, Dr Hughes explains more about cosmetic braces.
What can invisible braces treat?
Invisible braces are used to treat the following:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Deep bites
What are the benefits of cosmetic braces?
Modern orthodontics now allow more options in teeth straightening treatment than ever, allowing individuals to select the system that is most conducive to their unique dental needs. These cosmetic braces are designed to be as unobtrusive and comfortable as possible.
What are the different types of cosmetic braces?
The comprehensive range of treatments to choose from may include:
- Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen
Invisalign® for teens and adults is a cutting-edge system that can straighten teeth affected by crowding, uneven spacing, or other mild to moderate cases of dental malocclusion using clear, removable aligners.
With Invisalign®, your teeth are gradually guided into the desired positioning using transparent aligners that provide a small amount of movement with each set. Several sets of aligners – custom-designed to fit your teeth comfortably and discreetly – are crafted, with each set of aligners replaced every two weeks for steady and comfortable straightening. When administered by a skilled cosmetic dentist, Invisalign® has been proven to be just as effective as traditional braces, if not more so.
- Incognito™
Incognito™ hidden braces can be utilised to treat an entire spectrum of orthodontic issues, from mild to complex cases. This system fixes braces behind the teeth for complete discretion during treatment while allowing for minimal discomfort and speech interference.
The Incognito™ system has been known to produce noticeable results fairly quickly, and can often achieve straighter teeth in a shorter treatment time when compared to traditional braces.
- Damon™ Braces
The Damon™ system is a state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment that applies frictionless force to move teeth into the desired positioning using self-ligating (binding) brackets. This can allow for a more efficient and comfortable tooth straightening experience that does not require metal and elastic ties or brace tightening.
Damon™ Braces are designed to be discreet, utilising smaller brackets when compared to traditional braces and offering a tooth-coloured option to blend indistinguishably with enamel. Plus, this system can swiftly address a comprehensive range of mild to complex orthodontic issues in less overall treatment time than is usually required by conventional braces, without the need for excessive maintenance appointments.
How do I know which braces are right for me?
The most suitable treatment option for your cosmetic goals can be determined by the extent of your orthodontic concerns and your individual preferences. During a consultation, I can evaluate your teeth to observe the nature of your misalignment or malocclusion and help determine which system would be most beneficial. Using our digital smile design technology, I can even provide you with a visualisation of the potential cosmetic outcome before the start of any treatment.
