Today there are myriad options for orthodontic patients and the range of
treatments available to correct issues with misalignment of the teeth
is increasing at lightning speed. This is great news for patients, but
it can also lead to confusion: which brace is best and how do you choose
between the new breed of ultra-stylish and discreet appliances and the
tried and tested traditional methods?
One of the most pressing choices modern patients face is whether to
go for a fixed brace or a removable appliance. Like most things in life,
each option presents pros and cons:
Fixed braces
Fixed braces have been around for decades and there’s no doubting
that they are a very effective and reliable option. In most cases, fixed
braces are attached to the teeth and they are made up of brackets and
wires, which provide support for the teeth at the same time as producing
forces, which move the teeth, pulling them into line.
As time has gone by, there have been changes to the traditional fixed
brace and there are new systems on the market, which promise better
aesthetics, increased comfort and shorter treatment times than the
appliances of old. Systems such as CFast and 6 Month Smiles are among the leading modern fixed brace treatments.
Patients can also take opportunity of the proven track record of
fixed braces and team it with ultimate discretion by opting for lingual
braces, which are fixed braces that are secured onto the back of the
teeth. This way, you get all the benefits of fixed braces with the
amazing additional advantage that nobody can see your brace.
Pros and cons
Fixed braces are proven to work and they are completely in control of
treatment, rather than there being an element of patient control, which
is the case for removable treatments. The modern braces are much
lighter and more comfortable than previous treatments and they are also
much more aesthetically pleasing.
Some patients dislike the fact that they have no freedom to remove
their brace when they have fixed braces. Also, even though there have
been major developments, fixed braces still tend to be more visible than
removable devices. Fixed braces are suitable for almost all patients
and they present a more versatile alternative to removable braces.
Removable braces
Removable braces have really hit the big time over the last ten years
and they are an increasingly popular choice, especially for patients
who don’t need intensive treatment.
Aligner systems, such as Invisalign, Clearstep and Simpli5 are
extremely popular because the appliances they use to straighten the
teeth are virtually invisible. The Inman Aligner is frequently
recommended for patients with minor orthodontic issues.
The selling point of removable braces is the opportunity to enjoy
freedom and flexibility during your treatment; you can, if you want to,
remove your brace at any time and many patients enjoy this.
Pros and cons
The major advantage of removable braces is that you have control of
when you wear your braces. This in itself is an advantage and a
disadvantage, as you can enjoy more freedom and continue with day to day
life in much the same way once you start wearing braces; however, the
success of the treatment is largely down to you and if you neglect
wearing your brace, the results won’t be as good. Removable braces are
great news for oral hygiene, as there is no risk of food getting stuck
to the brace, as you take the brace out to eat and you can also clean
your teeth as you did before you started treatment.
The disadvantages of removable braces are that they are not suitable
for everyone and they tend to be more expensive; as a general rule, they
are not usually the best option for patients who need a lot of
movement. As mentioned earlier, the results are also dependent on the
patient following instructions to wear the appliance for a recommended
time each day.
Braces: fixed vs removable
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Oleh
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