Conventional Braces, Clear Aligners And Porcelain Veneers

Most people with bad bites or crooked teeth don’t get orthodontic treatment. But orthodontic treatment offers a range of advantages, both aesthetic and health-related. Anyone with crooked teeth, or having a child with crooked teeth, should at least have a consultation at DentArana.

The good news is that if you have crooked teeth, there are multiple treatments available including traditional braces, clear aligners, and porcelain veneers.

So, let’s take a look at our top three orthodontic options!

#1 Conventional Braces

This is what most of us may think of when we think of orthodontic treatment – those metal braces that resemble train tracks. Although traditional braces are still among the most effective and common options for straightening teeth, they’re not as clunky as they were in the old days.

How do they work?

Conventional braces use individual brackets and wires to move your teeth into proper position. Each bracket is fitted on the tooth surface and wire is slotted into these brackets. Using light force from attached elastic bands the wires gradually moves your teeth into their desired position.

Treatment duration

As with most treatment this is dependent on your particular requirements. However, typically conventional braces take somewhere between 12 and 24 months to take full effect.

Conventional braces can be a good choice for patients of all ages. Although modern treatments including Clear Aligners are increasingly popular, conventional braces can be an effective treatment option, particularly in more complex or severe cases.

Conventional braces come in two kinds:

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets. These are the braces that we sometimes remember as ‘train track’ braces. Today, the brackets are much smaller, and thus less noticeable and more comfortable at the same time. They can be customized with different colours.

Porcelain braces porcelain brackets. These brackets blend with the colour of your teeth in a way that metal braces don’t.

#2 Clear Aligners

Invisalign is the best known brand of clear aligners, but at DentArana we use our own customised approach to clear aligners.

Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable retainers. They straighten teeth and remove the need for metal braces.

With clear aligners it is possible to straighten your teeth without others noticing. Using advanced 3-D imaging equipment, custom-made aligners are specifically designed to fix your oral issue.

Patients can also view the expected final results of straightening on our monitors prior to undergoing treatment.

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners gently manoeuvre teeth into their desired position using series of custom retainers, which exert mild pressure in the required areas. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and then replaced.

The benefits of clear aligners

#1 Appearance

Metal braces can make the mouth unattractive (“train tracks”).  Invisalign braces can barely be seen.

#2 Comfort

Unlike conventional braces, clear aligners are removable.  They can be removed for brief periods of time (to eat, drink, or play sports).

#3 Safety

Metal braces contain wire and protruding bits of metal that can injure the mouth and gums.  Clear aligners are comfortable, smooth, and have no sharp edges or protruding bits.

#4 Duration

Invisalign can take from only one year, to a year and a half (although duration depends upon the individual case).

#5 Planning

Clear aligners are a fully computerized treatment. Before aligners are placed, patients know precisely what to expect during treatment and how the long treatment will take. Metal braces can be a trial-and-error situation that has to be adjusted on the go.

An excellent treatment for most adults and adolescents, clear aligners mean that a stunning, straight smile can be closer than you think!

More about clear aligners here

#3 Porcelain Veneers

A cosmetic dentistry procedure rather than an orthodontic treatment, porcelain veneers still deserve mention. They can have a dramatic positive effect on the appearance of your smile in as few as two or three visits. Porcelain veneers are nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth and enhance both the health and appearance of your smile.

Veneers use an ultra-thin layer of tooth-coloured porcelain, customised to fit your tooth shape and size.

If you’d like to see if veneers are an option for you, take a look at our veneers page.

Free Orthodontic Consultation at DentArana

If you are looking for a discreet and comfortable solution for your smile and bite issues, visit us here at DentArana. We are a certified provider of clear aligners at our Arana Hills practice.

Get your FREE Orthodontic consultation today!

DentArana provides Family Dentistry in Arana Hills. Our goal is to make quality dental care affordable, and help you achieve maximum oral and overall health! DentArana can help you with all your dental needs, from clean and scales to bridges and dentures. We offer late and Saturday hours!

Call (07) 3351 3366 or visit us at Shop 5 Patricks Place, Corner Dawson Parade and Patricks Road in Arana Hills.