Inverleith Dentalcare
Exploring Methods of Orthodontic Treatment: Fixed Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Orthodontic treatments have evolved significantly, offering patients multiple options to achieve a perfect smile. Two of the most popular methods are fixed braces and clear aligners. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Fixed Braces
Fixed braces, often referred to as traditional metal braces or “train-tracks”, have been a cornerstone of orthodontic treatment for decades. These braces consist of metal brackets glued to each tooth and connected by wires and elastic bands. Adjustments are made periodically to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
Advantages:
- Effective for complex cases: Fixed braces are highly effective for treating severe misalignments, overcrowding, and bite issues.
- Predictable outcomes: Since they are fixed, the progress is continuously controlled by the orthodontist, ensuring precise results.
- Variety of types: Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces (which are less noticeable), and lingual braces (attached to the back of the teeth).
Considerations:
- Visibility: Fixed braces are more noticeable compared to clear aligners.
- Comfort: They can cause discomfort, especially after adjustments.
- Hygiene: They require meticulous oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a modern alternative to fixed braces. These are custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. A digital plan is created that will show you how your teeth move from their current to the desired final point. The plan is separated into stages, each stage consisting of one aligner. Each aligner is worn for 7-10 days, depending on the complexity of the movements.
Advantages:
- Aesthetics: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens concerned about appearance.
- Removability: They can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene and no dietary restrictions.
- Comfort: Smooth plastic aligners are generally more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation than metal braces.
Considerations:
- Discipline required: Patients must wear aligners for 22 hours a day for effective treatment, requiring a high level of compliance.
Summary
Both fixed braces and clear aligners are effective methods for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. The choice between them depends on the complexity of the case, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle considerations.
– Written by Dr Chris Fowles
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more, please contact our team by calling 0131 552 4830 or emailing info@inverleithdentalcare.co.uk.
To book a consultation, you can use our direct online booking system by clicking here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Inverleith Dentalcare.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Clara Gore
2 years ago
What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist
billy darling
2 years ago
Outstanding service as always
Amanda Robbins
2 years ago
Thomas Chan
2 years ago
David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.
Gordon Clayton
2 years ago
Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .
chris fowles
2 years ago
I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.
They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.
Thanks!
Brian Mulholland
2 years ago
I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.
Iwona Walkowiak
2 years ago
I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.
Dona Easton
2 years ago
I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!
It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.
David Wilson
2 years ago
Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanks
David Wilson
Jean Kenyon
2 years ago
David Neilson
2 years ago
Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.
Susanne Goetzold
2 years ago
Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.
Mariam Aziz
2 years ago
I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.
mattias nuella
2 years ago
The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.
Sandra Johnson
2 years ago
Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.
Jo Nash
2 years ago
I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.
Rosemary Jamieson
2 years ago
I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!
The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!
The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leaving
The beautiful Georgian building is a bonus
Ookii Neko
2 years ago
I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.