Orthodontics is not a new area in the field of dentistry, but in recent years, adult orthodontics has boomed in popularity. In part, this is due to the increase in accessibility to these treatments for adults and of course, the rise in clear and invisible devices. But what options can an orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent offer you? 

Not to be confused with invisible aligners like Invisalign, clear braces are the perfect solution for patients who have a more complex case of dental misalignment, but still want a more subtle appearance. These braces are often perceived to be slow-acting by patients, but in reality they can straighten your teeth in as little as 6 months, depending on the teeth that need to be realigned and provided that none of your molars needs to be moved. They are fitted, but instead of the brackets being visible as they are with traditional braces, they may be clear or tooth coloured, so they blend in with your surrounding teeth. They will often need tightening or adjusting, which your dentist will be able to discuss with you at your consultation. 

You will have probably heard of Invisalign; a clear aligner that slots over your teeth and moves them incrementally. Invisalign tends to come in sets of 14 aligners and will take around 3 to 6 months to move your teeth. Once again, this will depend on how complex your misalignment is and if you stick to the treatment plan. Unlike a clear fixed brace, Invisalign is removable, so you must be committed to wearing it for it to work. The wearing period is usually about 22 hours per day or as directed by your dentist or orthodontist. Each aligner is usually worn for about 14 days; they will start off feeling tight and as your teeth move, they will begin to feel looser, indicating that you should move onto the next aligner in the sequence. Invisalign also comes with an app for your smartphone, that will allow you to track usage, wearing time and to stay in contact with your dentist about how the treatment is progressing. 

Back to the range of braces, another popular brace with adults and teenagers is the lingual brace. This is a brace that is made from metal and is attached to your teeth, but as opposed to the front of your teeth, it is fitted to the back of them, making it visually discreet, but also able to correct more complicated cases of dental misalignment and protrusion. It can also be used to correct the teeth of children, but due to the difficulties that can come with the cleaning of the brace, it is rarely recommended for them. Like a regular brace, it does need to be adjusted and tightened and has an average treatment time of around 36 months. 

Last (but certainly not least) on the list are the orthodontic braces. These are the metal braces that are affixed to the front of the teeth and move them over around 2 to 3 years in adults. They require regular maintenance and tightening from your dentist and will require you to up your hygiene routine to keep your teeth healthy.