Thinking of getting braces but not sure what is involved regarding treatment? Here is a bit of information about the process behind the bespoke orthodontic treatment types that we offer….
All braces treatments involve an initial consultation with your orthodontist here in Reading. Before we can proceed with treatment, we will need to assess your suitability for treatment and ascertain the best type of appliance for the corrections in question. We can talk you through the different types of appliance we offer and outline the benefits of each. We understand that all patients’ needs are different and everyone has different priorities, for example many adult patients choose discreet brace types so that their smile can remain unaltered during the treatment period. Incognito is a popular choice where this is concerned as they sit on the tongue side of the teeth, out of view from others.
You may favour a removable brace as they allow you to continue eating the foods you love without jeopardising your treatment. Removable brace types such as Invisalign clear aligners also make life a lot easier when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth – simply remove them and brush as normal. Invisalign offers patients a 2 hour window each day in which to brush and eat, so you won’t be sabotaging your treatment when you take them out to carry out your normal routine. Their design is free of brace hardware such as brackets and archwires (a feature of fixed brace models) which can sometimes cause some discomfort.
Taking impressions
Taking impressions used to be a bit of an ordeal for patients when there was not the option of doing this digitally as there is today; the impression material can induce a gag reflex in some people – not the most pleasant experience! Park Lane now carry out all impressions digitally using the iTero scanner, which saves time particularly with Invisalign as their 3D animated treatment plan is compatible with the scanner. Digital impressions yield a more accurate mould of your teeth as there is no room for human error through the handling of the impression material.
Fitting your brace
The impressions that we take of your teeth may be used to create your brace and any custom made brace hardware depending on the appliance you have chosen with your orthodontist. Most fixed braces are glued to the teeth with a special glue and this process is pain free and comfortable. Invisalign removable braces usually need some special custom made attachments placed on the teeth to help make the aligners as effective as possible and this is also easy and comfortable.
If you would like more information about the treatments we offer here at Park Lane, please do not hesitate to contact us.