What do you think of when you hear the term ‘braces’? Chances are the first things to come to your head aren’t comfort and attractive physical appearance. Invisible braces have quickly taken over the world of traditional braces with their comparatively speedier treatment, more comfortable wear, and greater discretion, but how do they work? What are invisible braces, and do they still achieve great results? We’re all familiar with traditional braces, so let’s contrast and compare invisible braces to these well-known treatment options.

How do clear aligners work?

Your clear aligners are made of a clear and durable plastic that gently guide your teeth into position rather than tugging and pulling at them. These invisible braces are personalised to you because they are created using detailed impressions and scans of your teeth. Multiple sets of aligners are then created for your clear aligners treatment journey, and you’ll change the one you are wearing every few weeks. Every aligner is slightly different to those that came before it, gradually guiding your teeth into position with controlled pressure and very little discomfort. This allows you to adjust your treatment as and when your teeth are ready rather than just gritting your teeth and baring it.

How do Six Month Smiles work?

Nobody wants to wear braces forever, let’s be honest. They’re a means to an end, the end being a great smile. The Six Month Smiles invisible braces system uses cutting-edge technology and techniques to move your teeth into a more flattering position efficiently and safely. Six Month Smiles are styled after traditional braces, though their discrete treatment is what makes them so popular. They work by fixing tooth-coloured brackets and wires to the teeth, achieving a straighter smile in just 6 months. Their main treatment goal, while straightening your teeth, is to straighten them discreetly. If you’re seeking a more uniform smile before a special event, holiday, or a family party, then this efficient treatment system is for you.

How do Damon self-ligating braces work?

While Damon braces aren’t invisible, they’re certainly a step above traditional braces. They use wires and brackets much like their traditional counter-parts do, but don’t let that put you off. They comparatively far more comfortable than traditional NHS braces because they’re self-ligating, which means rather than being fixed the braces allow the wires to slide within the brackets. This minimises pressure and friction on your teeth during treatment, allowing your teeth to be more comfortably guided and ushered into position rather than forced by fixed wires. They may still be visible on your teeth like traditional braces, but they come with far less discomfort. The treatment plan is tailored to each individual patient’s teeth, allowing your dentist to custom-make your braces especially for you.

All of these treatment options, whether invisible braces or not, provide far more comfortable treatment journeys than traditional braces. Of course, if you feel your bite or jaw could really benefit from traditional braces, then we’d happily talk to you about your treatment options. If you find yourself leaning towards the discretion of clear aligners, the ease of Six Month Smiles, or the comparative comfort of Damon braces, then we also encourage you to contact our Stockport orthodontists. Enquire online or speak to a friendly member of staff at Heaton Mersey Orthodontic Centre in Stockport, Manchester on 0161 947 9900 today!