Author: Clapham South Dental Centre

Clear braces or invisible aligners?

Are you unsure about which orthodontic treatment might be the right one for you? clear-braces-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud of our range of orthodontic options, including clear braces Clapham like the Damon System and even Invisalign aligners. So, if you are an adult who wants straighter teeth, contact our team for a consultation!

In this article, we compare the Damon System clear braces Clapham with Invisalign to help you weigh up which option may be the right for you.

Treatment time

The treatment time for both clear braces Clapham like the Damon System and Invisalign are faster than the standard treatment time for fitted braces. The Damon System can straighten your teeth in as little as 18 months, with Invisalign offering an average time of 3 to 6 months; however, this will depend on the issue being treated. So talk to our team for a more personalised breakdown.

Daily maintenance

The Damon System will require you to buy interdental brushes and an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth healthy and avoid the consumption of certain foods.

Invisible aligners have more simple maintenance. To keep them clean, you rinse them under a cold water tap, and if needed, you can remove stuck-on debris with a toothbrush. You will, however, need to brush your teeth after you consume food and before wearing the aligners; this will reduce the likelihood of tooth decay or gum disease developing.

Comfort

Both invisible aligners and the Damon System braces have a job to do; move your teeth. But they differ in how they achieve this.

The Damon System works in a very similar way to a standard brace. It is fixed, adjusted and tightened, thus moving your teeth into proper alignment over time. Invisible aligners achieve the same goal in smaller steps. They come in a set of 12-14, and each aligner gently moves your teeth closer to the final result over 2 weeks. This is more manageable relating to discomfort, but you may still need pain relievers.

If you have any excessive discomfort with any orthodontic tool, contact our team as soon as possible for an assessment.

Discretion

Both options offer discretion; however, the invisible aligners offer more simply because of the materials that they are made from.

Most invisible aligners are made from clear plastic, which is malleable but also firm. They are slotted over your teeth, where they allow you to show off your smile without any obvious drawbacks. The Damon System, however, is a fixed brace. The brackets are usually clear or enamel-coloured, and the archwire is thinner. But, they may still be slightly noticeable.

However, when they are compared to a standard metal brace, the Damon System is more discreet.

Results

The results from both of these orthodontics tools can be life-changing.

You will have a straighter smile that will be whiter and easier to clean. But, in the short term, after the treatment is concluded, you will need to wear a retainer. This is the only way you can ensure that the results stick. A retainer will help to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you do not wear a retainer, you risk your teeth reverting to their previous positions, which can make the entire endeavour a waste of time and money.

FAQs about Invisalign answered by our team

Have you heard about invisible aligners? Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth in your adult life without using a metal brace? invisalign-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team uses Invisalign Clapham to help our patients get the straighter smiles that they want, all while being discreet and easier to use than other orthodontic options

Here, our team answers some key questions that our patients have had relating to Invisalign Clapham. So, read on to learn more!

How do invisible aligners differ from braces?

Invisalign Clapham differs from braces in how it looks, how it works and how long it takes.

The aligners are made from clear plastic, so when they are placed in your mouth, they will be practically invisible. They work by differently shaped aligners (worn in a sequence) applying pressure to your teeth and gradually moving them into the desired positions. They will be made using images taken of your mouth using an intraoral scanner and can be custom-fitted to the shape of your teeth.

How long do aligners take to straighten teeth?

On average, invisible aligners take between 3 and 6 months to straighten teeth, but this will depend on the issue being corrected. This timeline may also vary if you do not wear the aligners as directed. They are removable, so it can be tempting to leave them out for extended periods of time. In order for them to be effective, you will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

But during your initial consultation, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will be able to give a clearer guide on how long your treatment will take.

Are the results as good as those obtained with fixed braces?

Yes, the results obtained using invisible aligners are indistinguishable from those achieved with a metal brace.

Just be sure to wear the retainers after your treatment has concluded. Not doing so can result in your teeth moving back to their former positions or the treatment slowing and stopping altogether.

Who is suitable for aligners?

If you have a mild to moderate misalignment, protrusion or spacing issue, then you will likely be suitable for treatment with invisible aligners.

However, our team will state that before undertaking invisible aligners, your oral health has to be in good condition; you cannot have tooth decay or gum disease. If you have either of these problems, they must be treated and resolved before any orthodontic care is performed.

Are aligners hard to care for?

No, aligners are actually remarkably easy to care for.

As they are removable, you can clean them by rinsing them under cold water. Simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stuck-on debris. Do not rinse them in hot water; doing so can cause them to warp out of shape. You can also invest in a denture cleaner to soak the aligners in, or you can purchase a cleaner designed for use with invisible aligners and soak them as and when needed. This will keep them clean and minty fresh!

Advantages of dental implants

When you have missing teeth, you will likely have searched online for an option to conceal the gap and restore the bite strength lost by the missing tooth or teeth, especially if they are located near the front of your mouth. In your search, you would have inevitably come across oral implants. dental-implants-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with patients to discuss the possibility of concealing gaps with dental implants Clapham. These metal screws fuse to your jaw after surgery and allow us to attach any prosthetic to help you conceal gaps or improve your bite strength. Great!

So, what are some of the advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out.

They look natural

You may have heard that dental implants Clapham do not look natural, especially if they are fitted between two natural teeth; this is not the case. Our team will take great care to ensure that the crown or prosthetic blends in seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth, providing you with a healthy-looking smile. If you are having a set of dentures affixed to the oral implants, however, you can go full Hollywood if you want to, and we will be more than happy to create dentures in any shade of white that you wish!

They strengthen bite

A key issue that many people experience when they lose teeth at the front is a weakened bite, even if they are wearing dentures or bridges. Implants can be fitted securely to your jaw, and the prosthetics can be fitted to the implant; this allows you to bite into foods as if your teeth were natural, without needing to worry that they will move. Implants will also help with chewing, so you will no longer need to eliminate certain foods from your diet.

They prevent cavities and gum disease

If you have gaps in your smile, this is more than an aesthetic issue. These areas can be a great hiding place for plaque and bacteria, which, if left unchecked, can impact the surrounding natural teeth and even cause inflammation and gum disease. Having these areas filled with an oral implant prevents these hidden spots from falling victim to plaque and will, therefore, keep your mouth healthy.

They help you sleep

Nocturnal grinding is common, especially if you have missing molar teeth. Therefore, having oral implants fitted can prevent or lessen grinding and allow you to get the sleep you need. This is especially important if you frequently wake up with headaches, migraines or a stiff neck, as these are early symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder can also be prevented or lessened with oral implants.

They have a long lifespan

Assuming that you correctly care for your oral implants, they should last for up to and over 15 years.

Luckily, correct care is not difficult. Your oral implants, when fitted with prosthetics, require treatment similar to your natural teeth. You will need to brush and floss them as you would twice a day and, of course, attend checkups with our team. Keep an eye out for signs of gum disease, as this can shorten the lifespan of the implants. Also, refrain from smoking or drinking excessively as this can also damage the implants.

Invisible braces; FAQs about The Damon System answered

It was once a bit stigmatised to seek out orthodontic care in your adult life. invisible-braces-clapham

It was associated with large, metal braces that were far from discreet and very expensive. However, as demand for adult orthodontic care has grown, so have the choices that dental surgeries can offer. Now, patients have access to treatments ranging from the standard brace to invisible aligners like Invisalign, with many orthodontic tools in-between.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are exceedingly proud of the range of orthodontic tools that we can offer to our patients, especially our range of invisible braces Clapham. We have an orthodontic tool for everyone and will ensure that when you come to us, you get the straighter smile that you want.

Here, our team answers key questions that we receive from patients about to undertake treatment with invisible braces Clapham; in this case, the Damon System. So, read on and enjoy!

How does the Damon System work?

The Damon System works in a similar way to a standard brace. These invisible braces Clapham have brackets that can be attached to the front of your teeth using dental cement. Our team will then adjust the position of the wire in your mouth to move the teeth. These are known as tightening sessions or adjustments.

The tension applied to the archwire by these tightening sessions then causes the teeth to move via pulling.

Are they discreet?

Yes, Damon System braces are discreet; they are not quite as discreet as invisible aligners, but few people will be able to spot that you are wearing them. As they are braces, they will be fixed to your teeth. However, unlike standard braces, the brackets (or the bits that attach the wire to the teeth) on the Damon System braces are not metal. With the Damon System, the braces are usually clear or enamel-coloured. It is also worth noting that the wires themselves are thinner than those on a standard brace, ensuring that you will have a brace with less of an aesthetic impact.

How long do they take?

This will depend entirely on the issues being corrected. However, the Damon System typically works faster than most standard fitted braces. On average, our patients who have used this system were required to wear it for between 6 and 12 months. Our team will be able to provide you with a more accurate timeline when you attend your initial appointment with us.

Are they expensive?

Many patients worry that undertaking orthodontic care in adult life will be expensive. However, at Clapham South Dental Centre, we know that it can be concerning trying to fund orthodontic care. So, we can offer you 0% financing options to help you pay for your dental treatments; this will ensure that you get the straighter smile that you want without putting undue pressure on your budget.

Will I need a retainer?

Yes, as is the way with all kinds of orthodontic care, after you have undertaken the Damon System, you will need to wear a retainer.

Remember, a retainer is not a brace; it is like a mouthguard that prevents your teeth from reverting to their previous positions. So, not wearing one can actually undo months of work and expense.

Clear braces in Clapham for a healthy and beautiful smile

Thanks to advances in dental technology there are many different types of braces available to help straighten your teeth. Teeth straightening is commonly sought after here at Clapham South Dental Centre and we have different treatment options available to help you achieve more even teeth which are not only beautiful to look at, but also help promote better dental health. clear-braces-clapham

Crooked teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile but are more prone to the development of dental problems. This is because there is greater build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth as there are more hard-to-reach areas in which bacteria and food particles can linger even after brushing. Plaque and tartar are the main cause of most dental issues. Over time they can cause cavities and tooth decay, as well as gum disease and eventually tooth loss. By addressing the misalignment issues of your teeth early on in life you will be able to maintain better dental hygiene and therefore prevent more serious complications in the future.

Clear braces Clapham give you a discreet and effective solution for correcting the maladjustment of your teeth, to achieve a healthy, neatly aligned smile. There are different types of clear braces Clapham designed to suit your individual dental requirements and your personal preferences.

Call us here at the surgery or book an appointment online using our website to find out more about clear braces Clapham. Our highly skilled dentists will carry out a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that they are safe to move. We will also carry out a smile assessment using X-rays and 3-dimensional scans where necessary to show you how the unevenness of your teeth can be corrected using clear braces Clapham.

Fixed braces

For complicated orthodontic cases our dentist can recommend fixed clear braces to help straighten your teeth. These include invisible or tooth coloured brackets and wires which are attached to the surface of your teeth and designed to pull your teeth into a neater alignment. This is a discreet alternative to traditional orthodontic braces. They are the most effective at correcting much more complex conditions of the teeth and will do so without drawing any extra attention to your mouth.

Invisalign

If you have mild or moderate misalignment of the teeth then you may wish to speak to us and find out about clear aligners for correcting this. Invisalign is one of the most popular examples of clear aligners for teeth straightening. It works using thermoplastic aligners which are worn in the mouth and as the name suggests they are almost invisible. They work by pushing your teeth into a neater alignment, they are highly convenient as they can be taken out of your mouth and replaced as necessary. They are also more comfortable when worn and they are designed to fit over your teeth with accuracy and precision.

Speak to us at the surgery today to find out more about clear braces and which could be the most suitable for helping to address the misalignment issues of your teeth.

Invisalign for improving the appearance of your teeth

Invisalign Clapham is a modern and highly popular method of addressing mild to moderate misalignment of teeth, to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s smile. invisalign-clapham

The earlier in life that you decide to address the misalignment issues of your teeth the less chance there is of experiencing dental complications in the future. Speak to us at Clapham South Dental Centre today and find out about Invisalign Clapham and whether or not it is suitable for you.

Is Invisalign suitable for you?

Here at our practice we will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that you are not suffering from any dental problems. It is important that your teeth are clean and that your gums are strong and healthy to be able to undergo Invisalign Clapham safely and without causing any dental complications. If you do have particular oral conditions that require attention then you need to undergo restorative dental care prior to beginning treatment with Invisalign Clapham.

Once our dentist is happy that Invisalign is appropriate for you then you will undergo a specialist 3D scan using the latest iTero technology which helps create a digital image of your mouth from which an individually tailored treatment plan will be put together for you.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign works using a series of clear thermoplastic aligners which push your teeth into a neatly aligned formation over a certain period of time. Your scan results will be used to manufacture the aligners themselves with accuracy and precision, so that they fit you comfortably, help produce predictive results and create excellent aesthetics. Each of these aligners is designed to be worn for 2 weeks at a time and will move your teeth by approximately 0.25 mm during this period. The aligners need to be worn in your mouth for approximately 22 hours of the day and taken out at mealtimes so that you can enjoy your meal whilst soaking the aligners in a cleaning solution. Once you finish your meal you are able to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss to make sure your mouth is clean before placing the aligners back into your mouth. This helps you maintain good oral hygiene throughout the process.

During your treatment you will visit the dentist after changing every 3 or 4 aligners to make sure that the process is coming along successfully. Our dentist will also check that your teeth and gums remain healthy during this time and that no underlying issues are developing as a result of the movement of your teeth.

Invisalign is a highly popular treatment choice because it allows you to correct the aesthetics of your teeth at your complete discretion. As the name suggests the aligners are almost invisible and they are also comfortable to wear and highly convenient, with little or no effect on your daily lifestyle. Speak to us at the surgery today to find out more about Invisalign and begin your journey to achieving a beautiful smile and promoting better dental health very soon.

Dental implants in Clapham as a durable solution for tooth loss

Tooth loss can be an uncomfortable and difficult situation to find yourself in and can occur as a result of many different reasons. The main causes of tooth loss are poor oral hygiene and avoiding the dentist. It is important that you visit your dentist here at Clapham South Dental Centre on a regular basis to make sure that plaque and tartar do not build up on your teeth and to prevent the development of dental issues which can cause irreversible complications in the future. Here at the centre we recommend that you visit your dentist at least once every 6 months for an assessment and hygienist appointment. At the assessment the dentist will carry out a comprehensive examination of your teeth and the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar which has built up in your mouth and examine your gums for any signs of gum disease. If you maintain these two appointments once every six months on a regular basis then you will be able to enjoy clean teeth, healthy gums and good dental wellbeing for life.

dental-implants-clapham

Unfortunately tooth loss can occur as a result of other reasons too. An accident or an emergency which causes trauma to your mouth can result in tooth loss. If you have avoided the dentist for a long period of time then you may have irreversible damage to your teeth which requires a tooth extraction. If you have a missing tooth or you have lost multiple teeth then you need to speak to us at the practice and find out about replacing them.

Dental implants

We can offer you dental implants Clapham as a durable solution. Over the last few decades dental implants Clapham have become the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy. Whether you are looking to replace one missing tooth or you have lost multiple teeth, dental implants Clapham could be the answer to your tooth loss. Dental implants Clapham are, in many cases, a permanent solution to replacing your missing teeth. Unlike removable dental prosthetics, dental implants become firmly embedded into your mouth and are a permanent fixture to which your choice of prosthetic is securely attached. Dental implants can help support a crown, a bridge or a set of dentures and you can use up to 4 implants to replace all your teeth.

First you will need to undergo a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that you have no other underlying dental issues. If so then these can be addressed with our wide range of restorative dental treatment and procedures. Our dentist will make sure that your teeth are clean and free of tartar and that your gums are free of disease. It is also important that you have sufficient healthy bone to allow successful dental implant surgery. The implant works by replacing the root of your missing tooth and this artificial root will be inserted directly into the bone socket of the missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants help restore the appearance of your smile and also the full functioning of your mouth to what it was prior to tooth loss.

Invisalign – invisible braces in Clapham

Everyone wants beautiful straight teeth, however, most people do not want to undergo orthodontic treatment to achieve this. Traditional orthodontic braces can draw further attention to your mouth, as they are made up of metal wires and brackets which are attached to the front of your teeth. This treatment usually lasts from six months up to a few years and although it is highly effective for teeth straightening the majority of adults are reluctant to choose traditional orthodontic treatment and would rather settle for the appearance of their smile as it is. There has been much research and development to help combat this attitude.

invisible-braces-clapham

Invisible braces

Over the last few decades there have been significant advances in dental technology to help people address the misalignment issues of their teeth without drawing attention to their mouth. Invisible braces Clapham are a highly popular alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. There are different types of invisible braces Clapham to suit all dental requirements and personal preferences. It is never too late to address any misalignment of your teeth and by doing so, not only will you improve the appearance of your smile, but you will also promote better dental health for the rest of your life. With orthodontic dental treatment it is important that you have healthy teeth and gums. It is vital that you maintain good oral hygiene and that you visit your dentist on a regular basis so that your teeth are free of decay or disease. You will need to book an appointment with our dentist here at Clapham South Dental Centre and we will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that there are no underlying issues.

If you have healthy teeth and gums then our dentist will carry out a smile assessment to find out which type of invisible braces Clapham are most suitable for you. We are able to offer you fixed invisible braces Clapham for correcting extensive orthodontic issues or we can offer you removable invisible braces to help address minor misalignment of your teeth.

Invisalign in Clapham

Invisalign aligners are one of the most popular types of invisible braces available. Introduced in 1999, in the last two decades Invisalign aligners have been used to correct millions of smiles across the world. Invisalign continues to grow in popularity thanks to its convenience and discretion. As the name suggests, Invisalign aligners are clear thermoplastic trays which neatly straighten your teeth in an unobtrusive and subtle way. They are individually manufactured to move your teeth over the course of 3 months to 18 months depending on the extent of misalignment that you begin with. Invisalign aligners are highly convenient as they can be taken out of your mouth and replaced as necessary. They are easy to clean and maintain and they are designed to be worn for around 22 hours of the day, taken out when enjoying your meals or cleaning your teeth. Speak to us at the practice today to find out more about Invisalign and other invisible braces to address the aesthetic issues that are affecting your teeth.

What are the differences between fixed and removable clear braces?

The availability of clear braces Clapham at Clapham South Dental Centre is a very effective way to help patients with orthodontic issues achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile. clear-braces-clapham

Teeth that have grown in less than ideal positions or a too crowded mouth can trigger a plethora of undesirable consequences that can not only lead to poor oral health issues but also negatively impact overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Fortunately for patients, clear braces Clapham offers a forward-thinking approach to the teeth-straightening process. It is also fortunate that due to the diverse array of barely discernible braces in the market, patients now have a choice in which tool to use to straighten their teeth.

In this post, we answer the question on how to tell the difference between the various types of clear braces Clapham.

What sets fixed and removable clear braces apart

The most obvious difference between removable and fixed clear braces is how they look: removable clear braces are inherently aligner-like trays made from clear medical-grade plastic material while fixed clear braces resemble traditional metal braces except that they are made with clear wires and brackets.

The second difference patients should take note of is how they fit. With fixed braces, our dentist will affix the appliance to the teeth and carry out manual adjustments to the appliance throughout the treatment. A fixed orthodontic appliance takes the pressure off the patient from having to remember to wear the appliance after removing them.

A removable aligner tray is inserted by the patient to sit on their teeth for a minimum period of 22 hours a day. A set of trays will be provided when treatment commences, and it is up to the patient to remember to keep them safe when not worn and put them back on after eating and cleaning teeth.

The third difference is cleaning the braces. Removable aligner trays make oral hygiene easier and quicker. By simply removing the trays, patients can go ahead and clean their teeth as per normal. Fixed orthodontic appliances require a little more time and effort as patients have to carefully remove trapped food particles from in between wires and brackets.

Another significant difference for patients to take note of is how each type of device relates to their diet. With removable aligner trays, there are allowances for a more varied diet. As the device will be removed before eating, there is less concern of them becoming damaged by hard and crunchy foods.

Fixed braces have to remain on teeth for the entire duration of treatment; therefore, patients have to exercise caution when considering their diet. We can advise on which foods to avoid. It must be said that no matter which orthodontic device a patient opts for, it is best for all patients to stick to a tooth-friendly diet and avoid the frequent consumption of highly acidic and sugar-heavy foods.

Both fixed and removable clear braces have their ups and downs, and a patient should factor all of them in when deciding on which type to use. Moreover, not every patient will suit a device of their choice as their orthodontic situation and the results they want may dictate otherwise. Our experienced dentist at Clapham South Dental Centre can provide more clarity on which device would be most suitable for you, so schedule a consultation today by giving us a call.

Why do patients prefer Invisalign?

It was not too long ago when the only orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth were fixed metal braces. Thanks to a forward-thinking approach to orthodontics, patients are now spoilt for choice with a plethora of exciting teeth-straightening options, including Invisalign Clapham. invisalign-clapham

As a long-standing dental practice, we at Clapham South Dental Centre know well that today’s patients look for customised, efficacious and convenience-focused dental treatments, which is why we are delighted to offer high-quality treatment options such as Invisalign Clapham.

Why are patients so drawn to the appeal of Invisalign Clapham? What does this system offer that makes it an increasingly popular choice for both patients and dental practitioners? Here, we take a look at some of the looked-for benefits of Invisalign.

Marvellous reasons to choose Invisalign

The first advantage of significant importance to patients on the Invisalign system is that the aligner trays are removable. This feature easily allows for fuss-free oral hygiene routines and the freedom to eat a more inclusive diet.

How this works is that patients are allowed a two-hour maximum period (for some patients this can extend to four) during the day within which they must eat and clean their teeth. Along with this convenience comes the need to practise restraint (no lingering over meals and snacking at will). Patients will also have to ensure that they adhere strictly to the time for removing the aligner trays.

There is hardly any patient who does not appreciate the discretion of these aligner trays. It is quite common for teens and adult patients to be more self-conscious about making it known that they are on orthodontic treatment, and the transparency of the clear plastic material the aligners are made of helps to obscure this fact. Invisalign patients can go about their day with ease knowing that the aligner trays are barely noticeable.

Another factor worth taking into consideration is that the system affords patients unrivalled control over their own treatment plans. It is up to the patients to comply with the guidelines for use as advised by our supervising dentist. Not only do patients need to ensure they wear the aligners for the minimum prescribed number of hours, but they must also follow the interchange schedule for each aligner tray in the series provided.

In addition to this, patients come to appreciate the fact that due to their responsibility in changing the aligners according to the schedule, they do not have to attend frequent dental appointments. As each tray has been deliberately designed to move teeth into desirable positions, there is no need for manual adjustments to be made by our dental practitioner.

While such desirable benefits are great reasons to make Invisalign the orthodontic solution of choice, there are a few things to know about choosing these removable aligners. Of prime importance is the safe storage of the aligner trays when they are not being worn. This is to protect the trays from damage and prevent loss – both of which are crucial if a patient is to avoid interrupting their treatment plans. To discuss what this treatment plan involves, please set up an appointment with our dentist by giving us a call at Clapham South Dental Centre.