Orthodontic tools have become more specialised. The traditional orthodontic brace has a wide range of conditions it can treat, resulting in most patients not using it to its full potential. By adopting a more specialised device, braces Liverpool can be lighter, more convenient and sometimes cheaper. At the Liverpool Smile Studio we can match our patients to the most appropriate treatment plan for straightening their teeth.
Common orthodontic devices and their roles
The role of braces Liverpool is to consistently apply pressure to teeth. It has to be done precisely; a tooth pushed in the wrong direction will adopt the wrong position and so, it must be done carefully. Too much force too quickly can cause damage and too little force no matter how long will result in no movement.
Adult teeth are the same as baby teeth. Not only are molars larger and can have more than 2 roots, the way teeth overlap and jut into each other can make moving them challenging. As applying force to one tooth is transferred to its neighbour.
The traditional solution to this was for orthodontic options to be as flexible as possible, capable of handling a wide range of misalignment, and applying a great deal of force. This had to be easily adjusted so that treatment could be modified very quickly. This certainly has its strengths, but an orthodontic tool doesn’t need to be excessively bulky in its design. Which is why many of our patients prefer the range of alternatives to this standard. With removable appliances, such as clear aligners, various forms of adjustment clips have been developed. However, we offer a wide range of orthodontic appliances at our clinic.
Which is better; clear aligners or traditional braces?
Clear aligners and traditional braces are quite different solutions to similar orthodontic problems. When a misalignment is focused on the front-most teeth, it is likely that clear aligners will be appropriate. This is because they are limited in the total amount of force that they can generate, compared to the archwire of a brace. They are also better designed to correct mild to moderate alignment issues with the front teeth.This covers a very large percentage of possible orthodontic patients. And by being convenient, subtle and unobtrusive in everyday life, they are more popular with adult patients.
The standard brace is more robust and can resolve complicated misalignments where molars make up the majority of the task. They can also help with more complex cases of crossbite, overbite and underbite, where aligners would simply not be suitable or beneficial. They are also funded under NHS care, so for younger patients the standard treatment seems to be a better option.
What is best for me?
Exactly which treatment is most appropriate for you is complicated and will depend on your priorities. If you have a job requiring face-to-face interaction, selling or presentations, perhaps wearing braces Liverpool as an adult is an absolute no-no. Or perhaps you have a crossbite that you think makes treatment with aligners inappropriate? It would also depend on the extent of your dental condition and require a thorough examination to explore options.
If you are curious about having an assessment for orthodontics, please feel free to contact our clinic.