If you have been thinking about improving the appearance of your teeth then you need to speak to our dentist in Banbury at Amsel & Wilkins and find out about the different orthodontic treatments that are available for you. Most people are affected by a certain amount of misalignment concerning their teeth, which not only impacts the appearance of their smile but also has a negative impact on dental health, increasing the chance of developing dental complications in the future. Our dentist in Banbury can carry out a smile assessment and a dental health assessment to identify which factors are affecting the alignment of your teeth and examine the health of your teeth and gums to make sure that they are clean and strong so that it is appropriate to carry out orthodontic treatment.

You will have the option of straightening your teeth with fixed braces or removable aligners with our dentist in Banbury. This will depend on a range of different factors including the   complexity of misalignment, your personal preferences and your budget for orthodontic treatment. Both fixed braces and removable aligners have advantages and disadvantages and by speaking to our dentist you will be able to make an informed decision on which will be the best treatment option for you.

Fixed braces

There are different types of fixed braces. Traditional metal braces are the most common type of fixed braces which consist of individual metal brackets that are glued to the surface of each tooth and connected by an archwire which applies pressure to straighten your teeth. They are efficient at correcting complex orthodontic issues with an average treatment time of 18 to 24 months. This could be less if you have minor or moderate orthodontic needs or it could take longer if your teeth are more crooked or wonky. These braces are the most visible type of orthodontic treatment, but also highly adept at what they do and the most cost-effective option.

Invisalign aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are a modern method of teeth straightening that works differently to traditional brackets and wires. The aligners work as a series and are changed every two weeks to subtly move your teeth into a neater formation. Invisalign aligners are highly convenient in that they can be removed and replaced in your mouth as necessary, however they should be worn consistently for as long as possible and need to be in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours of the day. They should only be removed at meal times so that you can enjoy all your favourite food and drinks, after which you should brush your teeth, floss and use a fluoride mouthwash before placing the aligners back in your mouth. Invisalign is a discreet option for those who are looking to straighten their teeth. It is better suited for mild or moderate misalignment issues and can straighten your teeth in an average of 6 to 12 months. Invisalign is more costly than traditional braces, but if you are looking to straighten your teeth without drawing unwanted attention to your mouth this could be the best option for you. Speak to us at Amsel & Wilkins today to find out more.