When it comes to straightening your teeth as an adult, you have likely heard about Invisalign aligners. Clear, easy to remove and easier to fit around a busy adult schedule, these aligners have taken the orthodontic world by storm and have allowed many people to get the straighter teeth that they want.

But what happens if your dental misalignment is a bit too severe for Invisalign but not severe enough to warrant the use of a fixed metal brace? This is where the Damon System comes in.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we can offer a range of invisible braces Clapham, which includes the Damon System and, of course, Invisalign. If you have a more complicated case of dental misalignment that is not so severe as to warrant a fixed brace, we will likely recommend a clear brace such as the Damon System to straighten your smile in as short a period as possible.

So, how do these invisible braces Clapham work, and are they more difficult to use than Invisalign? Read on for some of the answers to the questions we receive frequently.

How long does it take for the Damon System to work?

Like most braces, these invisible braces Clapham will vary in how long they take to work based on how severe the misalignment is. However, on average, Damon System braces can usually straighten a smile in as little as 6 to 8 months.

They can also be used as part of a step-down process. So if you have had traditional orthodontic braces fitted and the more complex aspects of the realignment are completed, we may decide to switch to the Damon System for the final touches to the orthodontic realignment, which will typically be shorter than 6 to 8 months.

Do the braces need to be tightened?

As these braces are fixed to the teeth, yes, they will need to be tightened and adjusted, but there are far fewer appointments than there would be with a traditional orthodontic brace. These appointments will be scheduled by our team every 6 to 10 weeks, making this process more hassle-free and not as intense as many people think it to be.

Of course, if you have any queries about wearing this fixed brace in between these appointments, feel free to contact our team.

Do they hurt more than Invisalign?

It is hard to state whether the Damon System brace is more uncomfortable than Invisalign; however, since it utilises a similar system as a traditional fixed brace, it will pull on your teeth and apply pressure in much the same way as a traditional orthodontic tool. So, it is highly likely that it may be a bit more uncomfortable than Invisalign. To mitigate this discomfort, please feel free to take over-the-counter pain relievers, but if the pain becomes excessive, please contact our team.

Can they treat more complex cases than Invisalign?

Yes, one of the clear benefits of using the Damon System is that it can treat more complex cases than Invisalign. So, if you have a protruding tooth or you need to have one of your teeth rotated, the Damon System is likely to be the most suitable option for you.

Are they expensive?

Our team at Clapham South Dental Centre are always happy to discuss financing options for orthodontic treatment with our patients. While the cost of the Damon System may seem excessive, we’re always happy to break it down into affordable monthly repayments, but the cost will vary based on your case.

Invisible braces Clapham are an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic braces for those who want to undergo teeth straightening without drawing further attention to their mouths. There are different types of invisible braces Clapham depending on your dental requirements and your personal preferences. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre we recommend that if you have a complex orthodontic condition then you need to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment, at least to begin with, to help correct the misalignment of your teeth. Invisible braces Clapham are better suited to addressing mild or moderate misalignment of the teeth. Speak to one of our highly experienced dentists and we can put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you that will be designed to address the misalignment of your teeth with your personal preferences in mind.

Invisalign – invisible braces

Here at the practice we are proud to present Invisalign aligners to help correct any unevenness of your teeth and create a neatly aligned smile for you. Invisalign is a globally renowned teeth straightening system and has been used to correct over 12 million smiles across the world since 1999. It continues to be the treatment of choice amongst teenagers and adults who are embarrassed by traditional orthodontic braces and are looking for a discreet treatment option.

Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible when worn in the mouth. They are manufactured using advanced digital technology for precision and accuracy. They are comfortable to wear and highly convenient to use. You will undergo an intraoral scan which creates a 3-dimensional digital image of your mouth. The Invisalign software will manipulate this image and put together a treatment plan for you. This will also be used to create the aligners.

How do Invisalign aligners work?

Invisalign aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign. They work as a series. The aligners are shaped to put pressure in the correct place to move your teeth and have a small space for the teeth to move into. Each aligner can move the teeth by approximately 2.5mm to 3mm. Once the teeth have moved into their new position, that aligner is then redundant as it cannot apply anymore pressure to the teeth and you move on to the next aligner in the series.

Treatment times

Treatment times vary according to your individual dental requirements, some patients notice a difference within 3 months, whilst those with significant misalignment issues will have to undergo the treatment for longer. The average treatment time with Invisalign ranges between 12 to 18 months. The Invisalign software will calculate the treatment time and work out how many aligners you will need.

If you adhere to the treatment plan, by wearing the aligners for 1 to 2 weeks at a time, for at least 22 hours of the day, then you will achieve the predicted results in the timeframe prescribed for you. With regular check-ups our dentist will be able to make sure that the process is coming along successfully and that your teeth remain clean and healthy during the procedure.

When you are an adult, it is easy to assume that having your teeth straightened is going to be linked to things like vanity or simply wanting to change the way you look.

And there is some truth in this. The majority of adult patients who undertake orthodontic treatment do so because they want to improve how their smiles look. However, this is not the be-all and end-all of the advantages of undertaking orthodontic care as an adult.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team has helped hundreds of patients in their adult years to get the smiles that they want using invisible braces Clapham, like Invisalign and the Damon System. These options are discreet and can offer an accelerated treatment timeline for patients who have mild to moderate misalignments.

Are there any other advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment as an adult? Yes, there are! And in the following article, 5 key benefits of using invisible braces Clapham as an adult will be discussed.

No more bad breath

If your teeth are misaligned, you are at a higher risk of suffering from bad breath, also known as halitosis; this is because misaligned teeth are harder to brush. When teeth are not cleaned well enough, it can cause the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can, in turn, create bad breath. By using invisible braces Clapham, these gaps and spaces between your teeth will be reduced, and you should notice that your breath smells cleaner for longer.

Reduced risk of oral health issues

There is another disadvantage to having misaligned teeth that you may not have considered, and that is the associated risk of cavities and gum disease. As mentioned earlier, misaligned teeth tend to form areas where bacteria and plaque can evade detection and removal by even the best toothbrushes. This can lead to an enhanced risk of you developing gum disease and tooth decay. By having your teeth straightened as an adult, you can prevent the likelihood of you needing to have restorative dental work performed.

Reduces risk of physical health issues

There is a link between excess levels of plaque in the mouth and heart disease, cancers and strokes. By having your teeth straightened, you make it easier to remove all of the plaque from your teeth and gums and reduce the chances of it seeping into your bloodstream, where it can be dangerous.

Boosts self-esteem

Of course, we could not get through this article without discussing how having straighter teeth will boost your self-esteem. Straighter teeth will allow you to smile with confidence, and you will likely notice that you start to feel more confident when talking to people at work or in general as you will no longer be hiding your teeth.

Better sleep!

Misaligned teeth can equate to worse sleep, as the molars will try to resolve the misalignment as your jaw relaxes when you are sleeping, which can cause muscle soreness, headaches and migraines over time. By having your teeth straightened, you may allow yourself to get a better night’s sleep.

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

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.

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

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.

Progressive dental technologies have brought about a revolution in how patients can revitalise their smiles for enhanced physical confidence with the introduction of invisible braces Clapham. With the availability of invisible braces Clapham, patients can embark on their teeth-straightening process without the worry of having the whole world know of it.

Adult patients who have roles that require social interactions and need their teeth straightened have been quick to embrace orthodontic appliances that are discreet and barely discernible to others.

Our friendly dentists at Clapham South Dental Centre support patients who want comfortable and convenient orthodontic solutions and are delighted to make available an array of invisible braces Clapham for patients to choose from. In this post, we take a look at what patients can expect in the range of invisible braces available.

Different types of invisible braces within easy reach

The type of invisible braces that most patients who walk through our doors enquire about is Invisalign. The Invisalign system embraces the use of aligner-like trays made of intuitive medical grade plastic that can be customised for each patient. Each patient on this treatment plan will receive a specific number of trays (depending on their orthodontic situation) that will reposition teeth to achieve the desired result. What is fascinating about the trays is that they are designed to be removed by the patient; therefore, they offer a convenient option for patients who qualify for this orthodontic solution.

Not all invisible braces are designed to be removable. Ceramic and lingual braces are two common types of fixed invisible braces popular with patients. Ceramic braces are similar in design to the traditional metal braces except for the fact that the brackets are tooth-coloured ceramic material as opposed to silver metal.

There is no equal to fixed braces for correcting complex orthodontic issues, and patients who are looking for that ‘invisible’ factor in their orthodontic treatment are prepared to pay a little extra for ceramic braces. Apart from being barely noticeable and superbly effective, another reason why patients opt for ceramic braces is that they are said to sit more comfortably on gums.

Lingual braces may be a surprise to many patients, especially because of where they sit in the mouth – behind teeth. It is this design feature that affords their invisibility status – no one can see them positioned behind the teeth.

Lingual braces have been used to great success in treating a variety of dental issues that involve complex movements. Patients who can opt for lingual braces include those with dental rotation problems, the need to close the gap between extraction spaces, as well as those who require adjusting the height of their teeth.

For image-conscious patients with orthodontic issues, invisible braces have the potential to offer life-changing benefits. To find out more or for professional consultation with a friendly dentist, why not give us a call at Clapham South Dental Centre to set up an appointment? Our reception team will find a date and time that is convenient for you.

When you’re young and in need of teeth straightening it is much easier to take the plunge and have those wire braces fitted. But why is it we all want that super straight smile and do the benefits go beyond surface-level? 

What are the cosmetic benefits of straighter teeth?

Of course, happiness is not skin deep and we would never make claims that a smile can fix the ups and downs of life. But having a straight smile sure can make us feel much better about ourselves and how we feel about our teeth can have serious impacts on our self-esteem and body image. Human beings after all are a social species, biologically designed to be good communicators and much of this comes from our mouths.

What are the psychological benefits of straighter teeth?

If you worry or feel self-conscious about your slightly overlapping tooth or crooked smile, you are not alone. Lots of people feel similarly about their smiles. If you aren’t confident about your teeth it can leave a person feeling really down and unable to feel confident enough to communicate with their friends and family. Mental health is a massive part of a person’s overall well being – and it’s not just confidence that can be knocked. It has been shown that patients post-orthodontic treatment have reduced anxiety, sleep disorders, depression and better social functioning. Lots of adults avoid corrective treatment because they worry about pain or the embarrassment of wearing braces, but with invisible braces in Clapham the journey to a healthier smile can be comfortable and more discreet.

What are the physical benefits of straighter teeth?

If you were to have invisible braces in Clapham fitted you would see benefits that go beyond cosmetic and psychological, there are also practical benefits.

Straighter teeth can improve gum health. When your teeth are overlapped, cramped, or gapped a perfect breeding ground for bacteria is created. Bacteria that are hard to reach with a toothbrush can build up creating plaque and tartar which in turn can develop into gum disease.

Having wonky teeth is one of the factors for tooth grinding which not only damages the tooth itself by grinding down the surface but also can cause headaches. When your teeth are flush you are less likely to grind. It’s also worth noting that grinding your teeth when you have a misalignment (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together) can lead to jaw misalignment which in turn leads to further issues including face and neck pain. Your invisible braces in Clapham could help correct this issue before the problem worsens.

Do you have a speech impediment? Do you struggle to pronounce certain words? Or maybe you’ve suffered from a lisp since childhood. Lots of speech impediments can be potentially caused by having crooked teeth. Lots of impediments are caused by misalignment which means the tongue can’t get to the correct area of the mouth to create the right sound. If there are gaps in the teeth this can cause air to travel through and create a whistling sound on some words. All these problems could be cured with a treatment plan from us.

A common dental issue

Whilst you may feel alone with your crooked or misaligned teeth, rest assured that you, like many other adults in the UK, are far from alone and whilst past treatments may have appeared less appealing, modern advances within the dentistry world have led to discreet, but effective solutions for your issue.

A number of misaligned teeth can have a physical and mental impact on you and whilst the current pandemic allows you to hide your smile, in time you will want it back on show and therefore treating your crooked smile and promoting a healthier set of teeth is our top priority and hopefully yours.

It is understandable that past treatments may have deterred adults from seeking help, the visible wires and brackets, although highly effective, are also rather visible and therefore a sigh of relief could be heard when invisible braces Clapham came on the scene.

A modern but effective approach

In some cases, when new, cosmetically appealing appliances come to light, there is a sacrifice in the effectiveness of the process. With invisible braces this couldn’t be further from the truth. When looking at ways to treat this common orthodontic issue, the reluctant approach from patients was taken into consideration. After all, who wants to undergo a lengthy treatment process which appeared to some more ghastly than the misalignment problem. With this in mind, the creation of a variety of discreet braces and aligners were made, from the transparent and removable aligner, through to braces being bonded to the backs of the teeth through to more natural-coloured approaches to the traditional brace. No matter what treatment approach may be desired, you can rest assured that with modern dentistry on your side you can realign your teeth with little impact on your daily life.

Eliminating the knock-on effects of misaligned teeth

Although a crooked smile is not something one necessarily dreams of, on a cosmetic level it may be something that you can happily live with. However, should the misalignment be creating other dental problems, the accompanying negative impacts of your crooked smile could begin to outweigh the minor cosmetic issue.

It may be that your bite has altered leading to the elimination of a variety of foods. Feeling limited and sticking to the softer foods may be easy for you, but it is not something you should have to live with. Especially when there are effective orthodontic treatments such as invisible braces Clapham readily available.

It may be that your oral health is on the decline due to not being able to reach specific areas of the teeth, mouth and gums. This simple misalignment can therefore have a huge effect on your oral health and begin to create new problems further down the line.

No matter what the issue may be, if you or someone you know is shying away from society due to their crooked smile or suffering in any shape or form from their misaligned teeth, rest assured that Clapham South Dental Centre is waiting for you to open up communication and to get discussing invisible braces Clapham.

Our friendly, encouraging team is there to support you 100 % of the way.

In recent years, dental braces have become popular amongst adults with many people looking to straighten their teeth for a beautiful smile. If you have been unhappy with the look of your smile, then you will be pleased to know that advances in dental technology have made straightening teeth easier and more convenient than ever before.

In previous generations, metal dental braces attached to the front of the teeth was the only method of straightening teeth, and this can still be commonly seen in young teenagers. You will be pleased to find that at Clapham South Dental Centre, there are now many different options available for addressing the aesthetic issues of your teeth. So, book an appointment with us today and find out about invisible braces Clapham and how they can benefit your dental health whilst giving you a beautiful smile.

Invisible braces Clapham are a popular alternative to traditional orthodontic braces. They are highly discreet and therefore serve as a popular choice of dental treatment for adults who would like to straighten their teeth. It is easier as a young teenager to have traditional metal braces; however, we understand that as an adult, it can be slightly uncomfortable. Because of this, there has been much research and development into invisible braces Clapham and luckily there are many treatment options available now.

Healthy teeth and gums are necessary for invisible braces

We will first need to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums here at Clapham South Dental Centre so that our dentist can make sure your teeth are clean and strong and that your gums are healthy. This is important because if you have dental problems, then this may be exacerbated by moving your teeth. Our dentist may also recommend a professional clean to remove any plaque or tartar that may not be removable with brushing alone. Once our dentist is certain that you are ready to have invisible braces Clapham, you will undergo x-rays and three-dimensional scans. These scans can show you what successful treatment can do to correct your smile and help put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you. The scan results will also be used to manufacture invisible braces Clapham, so this is an important part of the process.

You may wish to speak to our dentist about getting fixed braces for extensive misalignment issues or find out about invisible aligners if you have moderate issues with the appearance of your teeth. There are many different treatment options here at Clapham South Dental Centre, including some of our most popular treatments, such as Invisalign and 6-month smiles, both very different but highly effective at straightening teeth.

Here at Clapham South Dental Centre, we can provide interest-free loans and custom payment plans so that beautiful smiles and good oral hygiene are accessible and convenient for everyone. Speak to us at Clapham South Dental Centre today and find out more about invisible braces, the other options available for you and how they can benefit you for the rest of your life.

In the world of adult and teenage orthodontics, there is now more than one way to straighten teeth.

And while you may have heard of invisible aligner systems, you may be unaware that there are now many ways that you can straighten your teeth with a fitted brace without needing to rely on the standard orthodontic appliance. This will be of particular use if you have a more complex case of misalignment or you need to have any of your molars moved.

At Clapham South Centre, we call these kinds of braces invisible braces Clapham and will be more than happy to talk to you about your suitability for them in one of our orthodontic consultations. One of our most popular systems is the Damon System, which we have used to help many of our patients obtain a straighter smile.

Here, we offer a brief guide to these invisible braces Clapham to help you decide if they may be right for you.

What are Damon system braces?

As the name suggests, this brace is one of the few cosmetic based braces that is fixed.

As invisible braces Clapham, the brackets that are attached to the teeth may be clear or porcelain coloured. And much like regular braces, this tool requires tightening and adjusting for it to straighten your teeth.

But unlike regular braces which utilise force and friction to move teeth, Damon system braces use a self-ligating system, that removes the need for many of the accessories that accompany standard braces such as elastic or metal ties.

Treatment timeline

When many adults hear the phrase ‘fitted brace,’ they immediately think that they will be wearing the appliance for years to come; hence, why they are not a popular option!

But with the Damon System, the treatment time is also reduced and the average patient who uses this brace will wear it for around 20 months.

However, to correctly gauge how long your treatment timeline will take, you will need to have a consultation and discussion with our team at Clapham South Dental.

Daily care

As is the way with all fitted braces, you will need to adhere to a strict hygiene regimen to ensure that your teeth and gums do not suffer due to excess plaque and bacteria.

That means that our team may advise you to brush your braces after every meal, use interdental brushes and use a strong mouthwash to eliminate acids and bacteria that may be lingering. We may also show you how to begin flossing regularly to get rid of bacteria from those hidden areas.

And of course, you will need to see our team regularly for check-ups and we will typically offer hygienist appointments too just to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Costs

OK, on to the part that everyone is interested in; the costs of the Damon System.

Unfortunately, the costs are varied and will depend on a myriad of factors, such as the length of time you will wear them for and how many times you will need to see our team to have them assessed, tightened or adjusted.

For a more accurate assessment of how much wearing the Damon System is likely to cost, talk to our team.