Braces have long been used to help straighten the teeth. However, they have come a long way since they were first introduced.

Conventional metal braces aren’t the only straightening method available these days. They also aren’t limited to children. A growing number of adults are choosing modern day braces to help them achieve a perfect smile. Here, you’ll discover more about the different types of braces available.

Who can have braces?

The ideal time to wear braces is typically between the ages of 10-14. However, you can wear them at any age. In June 2020, the British Orthodontic Society reported 80% of its members were seeing more adult patients requesting braces to straighten their teeth.

The majority of the time adult patients are seeking to straighten the teeth for cosmetic reasons. However, some patients do need them for health purposes. Whatever the reason for needing braces, the teeth should be in good condition and you should also have good oral hygiene.

What different types of braces are there?

There are a number of different types of braces available today. While conventional metal mouth braces are still used, there are other less noticeable braces you can use. The different types of braces dentists can use on their patients include:

• Ceramic
• Lingual
• Self-ligating
• Invisible

Ceramic braces are made to match the colour of your natural teeth. They are as effective as metal braces, but they are also just as uncomfortable and they can be expensive. Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth; however, they can be hard to adjust and it can have a more significant impact on speech.

Self-ligating braces tend to offer less discomfort and they can offer a quicker treatment. The downsides are that they can stain the teeth and they won’t be suitable for all patients.

The most recent type of braces introduced onto the market are invisible braces. These are easy to clean, they don’t cause discomfort and it isn’t easy to tell that you are wearing them. You can learn more about these innovative braces below.

What are invisible braces?

At CK Dental, we provide Invisalign invisible braces. These innovative braces offer more benefits than traditional braces. They are especially well-suited to patients who worry about having visible braces.

The Invisalign treatment starts by scanning the mouth to create a 3D image of the teeth. This is used to create aligners that are exactly tailored to your mouth. It takes around a month to create the aligners, which will then need to be changed approximately every 1-2 weeks. A check-up is required every six weeks and it takes an average of 12-18 months to complete the treatment.

A major benefit of these braces is that they cause minimal discomfort. So, if you’re looking to straighten your teeth discreetly and pain-free, invisible braces are a great choice.

You can learn more about teeth straightening, and about our Invisalign treatments, at your initial consultation. Call CK Dental today on 0117 905 9866 to book a consultation with our experienced dentists.