Adult Orthodontics – Invisalign Vs Damon Braces

Many people still think of braces as being the old style of metal wire around the teeth that as teenagers they were reluctant to wear. However the reality is that braces have come on in leaps and bounds since those days and now there is an extensive range of different styles to choose from. In particular, we’ve seen a large rise in the level of adult orthodontics in Battersea which has come about due to the introduction of clear braces, often referred to as “invisible” which are far more discreet and comfortable than their traditional counterparts. Adults who, for whatever reason, didn’t wear braces when they were younger, are much keener to get their misaligned teeth straightened using modern braces now they can do so without drawing attention to themselves.

Two of the most popular types of adult braces that we fit are Damon clear braces and Invisalign braces, and while they both correct crooked teeth and are comfortable and discreet to wear, each works differently and won’t necessarily be suitable for everyone.

How they work

Barely visible, Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material which looks very much like teeth whitening trays. The patient wears a series of aligners which are custom made in order to move their teeth in a sequence determined by their Battersea orthodontist. Damon braces on the other hand, is a system which is designed to pull or push the teeth into their correct position. It uses self-litigating braces which means that unlike old style braces there is no arch wire with elastic ties providing the tension to move the teeth. Instead, they use a special slide mechanism which lessens friction and binding making the experience far more comfortable. In fact this reduction in friction makes the Damon system more efficient and quicker than conventional methods and results in a shorter treatment time and less visits to the dentist.

Invisalign may take longer to correct alignment but it’s appeal lies in the fact that it is so convenient. Unlike fixed braces Invisalign wearers can remove their braces to eat food and clean their teeth, although they must discipline themselves to keep the aligners in place for 20 hours a day or treatment time will take longer. This means that oral hygiene is easier to maintain since by removing the aligners when eating and brushing, there’s little chance of food particles remaining trapped and causing decay.

Which to choose

Since no two patient’s teeth or misalignment problems are the same, it’s difficult to generalise about which brace to choose. Both Damon and Invisalign have their own benefits and both are discreet, so there is little to choose between in that respect. If you’re considering dental braces in Battersea then why not contact Glow Dental and book a free cosmetic consultation with Dr. Hooman Sanaty by calling 020 7223 7096. Following an oral examination you’ll receive professional advice as to the best type of brace for your particular circumstances. To find out more about the types of braces we offer, visit our website at www.glowdental.co.uk.