It is complicated to answer this question with appropriate information. The question should be which is better: a brace or Invisalign in Wimbledon in your case. Though they are similar methods of treatment they both have advantages and disadvantages. The brace has a wider range of conditions for which it is effective, the aligner is more convenient and comfortable to use. Let’s break down some of the pros and cons of both to give you a better idea of the options.

The traditional metal brace

Traditional orthodontics are centred around an archwire; this curved shaped metal rod follows the arch of the mouth by arranging the anchor points along the archwire. Each of these anchor points is glued to a bracket, usually at the front of each tooth, to which pressure can be applied. When the wire is under tension, it will consistently push on the teeth until they adopt a new position. These adjustments are referred to as brace tightening and occur every 4-6 weeks. They are considered very uncomfortable and usually, the use of over-the-counter pain relief is required for the next few days after brace adjustment.

Invisalign- clear aligners

Invisalign in Wimbledon aligners are transparent plastic that looks like very thin gum shields; they fit over your teeth and push them into new positions progressively. Each aligner is only worn for about 2 weeks and a whole series of aligners are used over the course of treatment which could be anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the condition. Switching from one aligner to the next is the alternative to brace tightening performed using a traditional brace but because it occurs every two weeks instead of every 6 weeks, each of these adjustments is much smaller and far more tolerable.

Convenience; cleaning and wearing them every day

Traditional metal braces are semi-permanently fixed into your mouth. There is no way to remove them when eating or drinking, you, therefore, may have to alter your food choices by staying away from foods that are likely to become stuck in your braces like toffee and popcorn. And after every meal, you will have to spend time brushing and cleaning your brace to ensure it’s free from debris. Many patients are recommended to carry a small toothbrush and tube of toothpaste with them so that they can clean their teeth even when in a canteen or restaurant.

Invisalign in Wimbledon can be removed for eating and drinking; indeed it’s strongly recommended that you do. With this ability to remove your aligners, many patients are faced with the temptation of wearing their aligners less than they should. But the convenience of simply having to brush your teeth after meals in order to replace their aligner (rather than the regular cleaning required with a traditional brace) makes them easier to use.

Medical limitations

The traditional metal brace has its limitations and in extreme cases of orthodontic misalignment full headgear is required. Clear aligners also have their limitations and are only considered appropriate for mild misalignments that are usually considered cosmetic. This means that depending on the severity of your condition a traditional metal brace may be your only option. This would have to be assessed by a fully qualified dentist and would be as part of screening in our clinic.