The best time to straighten teeth is in the early teenage years when the teeth and bones are still growing. This is because it is easier to guide them in the right direction than it is to pull them into place once they’ve set, other than the physiology, having braces as a teen isn’t nearly as difficult or embarrassing as having them as an adult and it can be seen as a right of passage for high school juniors to sport braces. But with new technologies coming out every other year, if your child so wished, they can get clear braces in Clapham to have a more discreet orthodontic experience and with the payments plans available at Clapham South Dental Care, you can fit it into your family budget easily.

Types of clear braces

Clear braces in Clapham is a pretty broad term and we have a list of options available to your teen starting at £125/month, so that you can give them something from this list that they can be comfortable with for a few months before they reveal their gorgeous new smile:

Cfast – this is a system that focuses on the social six teeth, which means that the front top and bottom 6 teeth are the ones that get adjusted instead of all the teeth in the mouth, this system does not promise to correct major orthodontic problems but can quickly adjust the teeth people see when your teen smiles. By fixing tooth-coloured nickel brackets to these 12 teeth and feeding a wire through the special mounts, we are able to pull the teeth into position through the tension placed on the wire.

Damon – the Damon system is similar to Cfast in that it uses clear or tooth coloured brackets and wires to adjust teeth except that these brackets can be fitted to all the teeth if needs be to correct any orthodontic issue as well as malocclusions. This is the system that is closest to traditional braces but it is more discrete and works much faster, meaning your budget won’t need to stretch for too long.

Incognito – also known as lingual braces is a system similar to Damon but instead of being fitted to the front of the teeth, brackets are secured to the back of the teeth yet still perform their job really well, this is the most ‘invisible’ braces system available to teens as people will not see the braces at all.

While there are may be many types of removable clear braces in Clapham, none work as well or are more popular than the clear aligner system that Invisalign offers:

Invisalign uses the most advanced 3D imaging technology to create custom clear aligners that gently push the teeth into position in a matter of months. The clear aligners are completely removable which make them ideal to fit into even the most sporty teens lifestyle. One of the major benefits of a clear aligner system is that you don’t have to make constant trips to the dentist to get them adjusted, you just need to ensure that your child can pop in the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks and they’re ready to go.

With technology at the forefront of human augmentation, why would any adult still be opting for traditional braces as a solution for their orthodontic issues? There are so many options available to you nowadays that you don’t need to endure years of unsightly treatments that scar your confidence rather than improve it, you could have straight beautiful teeth in a matter of months and this can greatly improve your self-esteem as there is so much in your life that could possibly be affected by your smile. At Clapham South Dental Centre we offer two types of clear braces in Clapham to suit your needs, wallet and self-esteem.

The two types

Today, people from different walks of life come together in a multicultural hub of experiences, but one thing remains universal and that is a friendly and beautiful smile, but what are your options nowadays with regards to orthodontics and clear braces in Clapham?

Removable – We offer a system called Invisalign which has taken the orthodontic world by storm and transformed 8 million smiles around the world as of February 2020! A removable system is ideal for active people partaking in contact sports or professionals who do public speaking and give presentations, removable appliances like these clear aligners allow you to eat as you normally would and clean your teeth normally too, making it the most convenient appliance on the market.

Fixed – the Damon system that we used as a fixed appliance offers clear braces in Clapham which work under the same principle as traditional braces but much quicker and are far less noticeable as the brackets that are secured to the teeth are clear or tooth coloured.

Both systems can take less than a year to get the results you’re looking for with many being complete in 6 months depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues in the first place. By changing your smile you can change the opinions that people may have of you particularly with first impressions.

The psychology behind a stunning set of teeth

While your teeth may work just fine to bite into and chew food, logically there should be no reason for their crookedness to be worrying you, but there is, in fact, a psychological reason why they are and that is natural selection. It is ingrained in humans to choose a mate that is ‘of the best stock’ the most attractive and healthy that we can find in order to continue our genes and people in society are constantly making unconscious observations about those around them; observations based on our base instincts in finding partners, people with good teeth automatically outrank those with seemingly ‘bad teeth.’ These perceptions that society makes based on our smiles are not something we can avoid, which is why so many people like you are looking to improve their features starting with their teeth. This psychology extends further than romantic relationships, it could affect our work and who prefers to work with you, trust you with important decisions and in pretty much all cases where a first impression is paramount.

There is nothing to lose when investing in orthodontics, you only stand to gain more beautiful teeth and a smile that makes a stronger impression with the Invisalign and Damon systems.

While traditional orthodontic braces have been used for over 100 years for treating more serious misalignments, the use of clear and invisible braces to correct dental issues is a recent phenomena. As these options have grown in popularity, so has their diversification; there are many different types of both invisible and clear aligners, each designed to help alleviate different dental problems. Many people have heard of the world-famous Invisalign, but this aligner is not suited for everyone and if you are one of the many people who want to correct a misalignment with your front teeth, there are ways to do so without wearing a fitted brace.

At Clapham South Dental, we are proud to offer a wide range of both invisible and clear braces in Clapham. One of our most sought after braces, the Inman Aligner, offers patients a discreet orthodontic option, which is designed to realign your front teeth quickly and comfortably. So, if you need a more specific treatment than what Invisalign can offer, this may be the brace for you!

Have some questions about these clear braces in Clapham? Read on to learn more about the Inman Aligner.

Is it comfortable?

Every aligner that has been designed for adults to wear is comfortable and these clear braces in Clapham are no different. As it is made from clear plastic and is custom fitted to slot over your teeth, there will be no metal rubbing against your inner cheeks. Similarly, as there is no tightening involved with this brace, there is no need to worry about pressure or discomfort as your teeth are moved.

Will I be able to remove it?

Yes, you will! One of the key benefits of the Inman Aligner is that it is extremely lifestyle friendly. You can take it out to eat food, drink and even brush your teeth. However, you will have to be disciplined as many patients forget to put this brace back in, or to wear it for the correct time each day, which inevitably delays treatment.

Will I need to wear it all day?

This brace needs to be worn for 22 hours each day, but as many patients are able to eat and drink while wearing it, they only remove it when they need to brush their teeth. Based on the maloclusion that you have, our team may advise on a more personalised wearing time.

How long will the treatment take to complete?

The Inman Aligner is designed to straighten your teeth in as little as 6-18 weeks. Perfect!

Is it as effective as Invisalign?

The Inman Aligner is as fast, as discreet and as effective as Invisalign when it comes to correcting issues with the front teeth and, as it does it quickly, it costs less to undertake. Also, as it doesn’t require an orthodontist to fit or maintain, it requires less dental appointments, and has the added benefit of having a phone app for you to track the progress of your treatment. Now that’s handy!

If you have been researching which clear or invisible brace is going to be the best option for your teeth, you have probably been bombarded with information about Invisalign.

Of course, while Invisalign is one of the most well-known brands in the world, it is far from the only discreet, adult based aligner available and, as odd as it sounds, it may not be the best one for you.

Indeed, if you have a more complex orthodontic issue, you may have thought for a long time that that only option that was available to you as an adult would be traditional, metal aligners. In severe misalignments, this may be the case, but thanks to braces like the Damon System, you may have the opportunity to wear a more discreet brace.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team is proud to be able to offer suitable patients clear braces in Clapham. As a fitted but discreet brace, the Damon System is a great way to correct issues that cannot not be managed with Invisalign, but do not require the traditional orthodontic braces either.

Perfect!

Want to know more about the Damon System? Read on for answers to the top five FAQs about these clear braces in Clapham.

How long does the treatment take?

On average, treatment with these clear braces in Clapham takes between six to eight months to complete.

As the Damon System is a fitted brace, our team can adapt different parts of it more accurately to speed up the process, meaning that you will have a shorter treatment time overall.

Is it painful?

Many dental patients worry that the Damon System will be painful as it is fitted. However, in comparison to other fitted braces, it is not uncomfortable to wear or to use.

As the brackets that are used to secure the brace in place are low friction, you should not experience any discomfort while wearing this brace or attending our surgery for adjustments.

Is it expensive?

When you come to Clapham South Dental Centre for your adult orthodontic treatments, our team will discuss payment options with you.

If it is deemed suitable, we may be able to offer you financing options to help you break down the cost into affordable monthly chunks.

Will this brace need tightening?

Yes, it will.

As mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of the Damon System is that it allows our team to target the movement of your teeth with greater precision.

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may need to attend our surgery for adjustments or tightening frequently but don’t worry. Due to the design of this brace, these sessions will not cause discomfort; if they do, it should be manageable with non-prescription painkillers. If you notice extreme amounts of pressure post-fitting, contact our team for a check-up.

Will I need a retainer?

Yes, you will.

With all orthodontic treatments, you will need a period of wearing a retainer afterwards, to prevent your teeth from reverting back to their original positions.

When most of us think about orthodontics we may still be picturing a grinning teenager with a full set of metal ‘train tracks’ smiling up at us from their school photographs. However, the orthodontic industry has come a long way since then and there are various, more discreet ways for teens and adults alike to adjust their teeth to make a more pleasing smile. We at Clapham South Dental Centre can offer you clear braces in Clapham that are far more appealing than the traditional ones you may still be picturing, allowing you the confidence that a straight smile brings, even during treatment.

The brief history of traditional orthodontics

People have been trying to straighten their teeth for centuries, and we mean way back to the ancients; like Aristotle who contemplated ways to straighten crooked teeth and fix orthodontic problems. There has even been archaeological evidence of mummified individuals with numerous metal bands around their teeth which have been confirmed to have been an attempt at straightening them.

It was only in the 18th century that dentistry really began to come into its own; it is commonly agreed that a French dentist who published a book on straightening teeth was the first to officially explore this specialist side of dentistry, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the birth of orthodontics was marked with the use of a wire crib and elastics to pull the teeth into position.

The new orthodontics

In the 20th century the different classifications of malocclusions were identified and the perfection of the metal tracks used to pull the teeth into position was finally settled upon, but since then we have come a long way with what you can expect from orthodontics in terms of clear braces in Clapham.

This is the 21st century and with it comes options for just about everything, including braces. With clear braces in Clapham you can control how the world sees your smile and what treatment best fits into your lifestyle.

Invisalign – this is a clear aligner that can offer results from as little as 4 months to just under a year. They are completely invisible and removable, allowing you to eat and clean your teeth as normal without any damage. The aligners are custom made to fit you and need to be changed in the comfort of your home every 1-2 weeks, thus making them a convenient treatment that fits into your lifestyle easily. There are no gooey moulds that need to be taken of your teeth, only a 3D digital scan which is quick and easy.

Damon System – offers a similar solution to traditional braces, but instead of metal tracks and wires being fixed to the teeth to pull them apart, this system uses clear brackets that are far less noticeable than the old metal ones. The length of treatment depends on each individual case, but it is very effective. In some seriously difficult cases, it may be required that you first have a course of traditional braces before switching to clear braces.

If your dentist mentions the word orthodontics or brace to you, you may feel your heart skip a beat. Especially if you are an adult.

One of the most efficacious of all dental treatments, orthodontic braces are used to straighten crooked teeth and can even help to realign misalignments in the upper and lower jaws, making them fit together properly. Of course, this is advantageous to rectifying many secondary issues such as tooth grinding, decay and gum disease, but let’s face it, metal braces are far from a fetching look.

In modern dentistry, there are many options for adults who want a straighter smile, but don’t want to resort to heavy, metal braces. Indeed, dentists and orthodontists are now able to reverse more complex cases using clear braces, meaning that you can straighten your teeth without impacting on your confidence.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team of cosmetic dentists has seen first hand what clear braces in Clapham can accomplish. From correcting gaps, to minimising protrusions, both clear and invisible braces are becoming more commonplace in adult orthodontics, meaning you don’t have to worry about hiding your smile during treatment. Brilliant!

But what are some of the other dental and general issues that invisible and clear braces in Clapham can reverse? Read on to find out!

Crooked teeth

Many people have crooked teeth and, while this is usually just a cosmetic issue, it can lead to underconfidence and may increase the risk of injury around the oral area.

Clear braces in Clapham can reverse every kind of crooked smile, allowing you to smile with confidence!

Bite issues

Commonly divided into three subcategories, bite issues typically involve under, over and crossbites. SImply put, these are common dental issues where the teeth on the upper and lower jaw do not align correctly, causing the teeth at the front of the mouth to sit further forward or back than is desirable.

Braces like Invisalign and the Damon System which we offer at Clapham South Dental Centre can reverse all of these issues, but it is worth noting that in some severe cases, we may recommend the use of an orthodontic brace first.

Speech impediments

If you have an overbite, gaps in your teeth or other protrusions, it is likely that you may have a speech impediment.

As alignment of the teeth impacts on how your tongue moves, any misalignment will impact on speech and, once these misalignments are corrected, your speech impediment is likely to disappear.

Digestive issues

A lack of alignment can cause issues with the chewing and grinding of food, leading to complications like acid reflux and heartburn. Once you have completed treatment with your invisible braces, your sore tummy will probably vanish too!

Headaches and migraines

Teeth that do not sit correctly are more prone to grinding, which can tighten muscles in the face and neck, leading to headaches and even migraines. If you suffer from these issues often, talk to our team about treatment with an invisible brace.

Clear Braces in Clapham could be a valid treatment option to consider if you are not happy with the appearance of your smile. In recent years there have been many advances in this area of dental treatment, which makes it easier than ever to improve your smile. This type of dental treatment is more accessible and affordable than ever. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre, we believe that everyone should have the access to sculpt their perfect smile. This form of dental treatment can come in a couple of different forms, fixed bracketed braces or removable aligners can be used to straighten the appearance of your teeth. Many of our patients have been impressed by the nature of this treatment being invisible. Clear brackets and wire braces are used on teeth in the same manner as traditional braces. Other forms of clear braces, such as Invisalign work in a different way, these series of clear aligners fit over the teeth.

What is the procedure?

If you decide to go ahead with Clear Braces in Clapham, our team members here at Clapham South Dental Centre, will be more than happy to assist you. Different kinds of braces can work better for different people with different sets of dental needs. You will work with your dentist to discover what the best option is for you. Traditional braces pull teeth into the desired position, whereas Invisalign gently forces the teeth into their correct position. Other versions of clear braces, such as the Inman Aligner, use two aligner bows that gently move and guide teeth into their desired position. These different treatments all have a specific goal in relation to your teeth and your dentist will work with you to suggest the best course of treatment. It should be noted here that clear braces have a limited capacity, and therefore can only be used on mild to moderate cases. If your teeth require a different sort of treatment, your dentist will be more than happy to suggest this.

What are the benefits?

Clear Braces in Clapham can offer a series of benefits to their users. Many of our patients have reported that this treatment is relatively painless, some mild discomfort can be found with the added pressure but most people report that it is reasonably comfortable. There are many benefits to this treatment aside from just simply a straighter smile. Your smile can become more aesthetically pleasing. Your self-confidence can be boosted dramatically. A healthier smile can lead to a healthier mouth overall. Gum disease and the risk of damage to teeth can be reduced. Better digestion can also be promoted as the teeth have better functionality. During the process of this dental treatment, it is important to look after your oral health, this can be done through regular brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Your dentist will always be on hand to ensure that you are receiving the highest standard of care.

When you decide to undertake a brace as an adult, it can feel more than a bit intimidating.

On the one hand, you are paying for a treatment that may affect your outward appearance for a while, but on the other hand, you have had enough of putting up with your crooked smile.

Luckily, when you choose an adult orthodontic treatment, you will be happy to know that the majority of options are either clear aligners or invisible braces. Specifically designed to be discreet and easy to maintain, these options fit easily around your life and don’t require excessive numbers of dental trips. Perfect!

At Clapham South Dental, our dental team is proud of our range of adult orthodontic options, which includes clear braces in Clapham like the Damon system. Designed for misalignments that require a bit more work than an invisible brace can handle, these braces can help correct a more complex dental situation in less time than you might think!

But what are the advantages of clear braces in Clapham? Is the Damon system suitable for you? Read on to find out!

Better results

As the old saying goes: ‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating.’

While we could focus on how these clear braces in Clapham work, you are probably more concerned about the final result; we don’t blame you!

The Damon system has an exceptionally high success rate long term (5 years post-treatment), over 97% of patients who have used these braces are happy with how their teeth look and have experienced no unwanted movement. If someone told you that there was a 97% chance you could win the lottery, we bet you would buy a ticket!

Reduction in treatment time

Of course, the adult world is very short on time.

With work, children and other commitments, we know you don’t have the free time to be going backward and forwards to see our dentist for months and months.

If you are suitable, the Damon clear brace requires minimal check-ups with our team and uses a different technique for realigning your teeth. There is no excess adjusting or tightening required from our team, so you are free to get on with your life. Brilliant!

Applicable to complex cases

While other aligners like Invisalign are great, they often fall short when it comes to more complex dental issues.

If you have a more severe misalignment or orthodontic issue, the Damon system is more equipped to correct it, meaning a better long term outcome for your smile!

Comfortable

As mentioned earlier, this brace does not use force (tightening) to achieve its results and therefore, it is more comfortable for everyday wear.

While there may be some initial adjustment after it has been fitted,  during the treatment, it should not create any discomfort. If it does, call us immediately for an assessment!

Enhanced facial aesthetics

If you have misaligned teeth, it is likely your facial appearance may be affected too.

Using the Damon clear brace will straighten your teeth and improve the aesthetics of your face.

If you are new to the area of cosmetic dentistry, it can feel a bit like trying to navigate a mountain without a map, especially when it comes to looking through the different types of cosmetic braces.

You may assume that the words braces and cosmetic don’t belong together; how on earth can a brace be cosmetic? And how does it differ from a traditional brace? Can anyone have a cosmetic brace?

And then, you will inevitably come across the different brands of cosmetic aligners; Invisalign,

Damon and even Incognito. What’s the difference?

Not to worry; we can help!

If you are an adult who is yearning for a straighter smile, our team of cosmetic dentists at Clapham South Dental can offer you one of our invisible or clear braces in Clapham. Designed to give you that dream smile promptly, we will choose the perfect aligner for you, so all you have to do is sit back and smile.

But is there a difference between invisible and clear braces in Clapham? Read on to learn more about our most popular clear aligner, the Damon System.

Does the Damon System hurt?

Of course, nobody wants to undertake any kind of treatment that is going to hurt, even if they are clear braces in Clapham.

With traditional orthodontic braces, many patients experience a great deal of discomfort as their teeth are moved; this is due to the brace pulling the teeth into their new position. As the Damon System gently pushes your teeth throughout the duration of the treatment, there is minimal to no discomfort, meaning no brace tightening and no pressure.

What does the Damon System look like?

Designed to be visually discreet, the Damon system is made of a thin piece of metal wire placed across the front of the teeth and, usually, brackets that are either clear or tooth coloured.

Although this is not invisible, it is tough to spot and certainly offers more discretion than some orthodontic alternatives.

How long will I need to wear them for?

While the answer to this will be up to the discretion of a member of our team, it is likely that when you wear the Damon aligner, your treatment will be completed in around 6 months.

Alongside this, treatment with the Damon aligner involves fewer trips to our surgery, allowing you to get on with your busy life.

Is it as effective as regular braces?

The Damon System is extremely effective at treating dental issues and, while there may be some limitations to the conditions it can treat, there is no tooth removal, no tightening and it allows your teeth more room to move, without being too restrictive..

What conditions can it treat?

This aligner can treat complex cases of misalignment, excess spacing or crowding and protrusions.

If you have an over or underbite, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will decide if you are suited to this brand of aligner, depending on the severity and complexity of your orthodontic presentation.

When one undertakes orthodontic treatment as an adult, you are more aware than you would have been as a child that there are long-term advantages to this procedure.

After all, if you are choosing to wear a brace as an adult, it is likely that you have had enough of the health and social issues that your misaligned smile creates. Therefore, orthodontic treatment is going to boost your confidence, while also giving you a smile that is easier to look after.

At Clapham South Dental, we have extensive experience working with adults who wish to have their teeth straightened. We are able to provide a myriad of treatment options, including clear braces in Clapham, and can provide you with a step-by-step guide to how your brace is going to change your smile. We will also offer you personalised maintenance tips to keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest during the procedure.

But are there any other advantages to having clear braces in Clapham as an adult?

Improved oral hygiene

A co-occurrence that we see regularly as dentists is that people who wear fixed aligners are likely to suffer from poorer health.

As braces are placed on the front of the teeth, soft foods like breads, pasta and rice can get stuck in them, making oral health harder to maintain. So, it is naturally assumed that when one wears any kind of aligner, they will have to attend hygienist appointments to keep their teeth clean. But, with our clear braces in Clapham, you are able to remove them, and so maintaining a high level of oral hygiene is easier than you would think!

Renewed confidence

Another impressive benefit of invisible aligners is the confidence boost that the wearer experiences. As they are designed to be discreet, you can go about your day without attracting unwanted stares from strangers. You can smile away without being concerned about how your teeth look; brilliant!

Accelerated treatment

It was once stated in dentistry that if you had not undertaken orthodontic treatment by the age of 15, it would be too late for any real change to occur in the alignment of your teeth. And, if by some miracle you were suited for traditional braces; you would be wearing them for an extended period.

Luckily, in modern dentistry, all of the adult-targeted braces and aligners offer an accelerated treatment time, so you can usually get your perfectly aligned smile in under a year.

Comfort

No need to worry about excessive pressure or metal rubbing against your inner cheek.

Invisible braces are usually made from clear plastic that is fitted over your teeth like a glove. Due to the inbuilt system that pushes your teeth into their new position, there is no discomfort or pressure to worry about!

Easily-removable

Most cosmetic braces are removable, offering you the freedom to choose when you wear them. Just make sure you wear them for the required treatment time.