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Modern adult orthodontics has the scope to produce better results than ever before, and for a wider range of smile & bite problems. Indeed, adults can be treated at virtually any age at the Priestgate Clinic, as shown on the right. Treatment is also quicker than the historical notion that it take years for adults. Most of our adults undergoing comprehensive treatment with fixed braces have these removed after a year, or even sooner if we complete treatment using aligners.
However, it’s unfortunate that commercial companies, such as ‘Invisalign’ and ‘Fast Braces’, heavily promote their products to dentists without being realistic about their limitations (as highlighted by multiple independent research studies). If in doubt, we recommend that you ask to see examples of real cases treated by the dentist or orthodontist.
At the Priestgate Clinic, it’s our professional duty to use our specialist expertise to guide each patient through the maze of treatment options, pros & cons (& even fake news) specifically related to their smile problems. We empower each individual to make the correct, informed choice to suit their aspirations & circumstances. Plus we'll only show you examples of actual treatment that we've undertaken – not pictures from a sales website!
Fixed appliances use metal or tooth-coloured attachments on each tooth, and a connecting wire generates the tooth movements.
They’re highly effective at correcting tooth & bite positions, especially for complex 3D movements, but may feel a little cumbersome & require additional hygiene effort. On the other hand, some adults find that there’s less to 'juggle' with a fixed brace compared to the self-discipline required for successful aligner treatment. In addition, high quality ceramic & coated materials mean that our fixed braces are barely visible in most adults’ mouths.
Adult fixed brace treatment typically takes an average of 9-15 months for optimum benefits since they do much more than just straighten the front teeth & we aim to maximise their benefits. You can rest assured that we won't sell you ‘6 months’ or ‘fast brace’ treatments since they aren’t as revolutionary or comprehensive as claimed!
Orthodontic aligners are transparent plastic braces, typically worn for 1 week each. They straighten teeth by applying programmed pressure on the target teeth.
InvisalignTM is the original brand, but in reality this is a mass production approach, not truly individual patient care. Indeed, commercial aligners haven’t fundamentally changed in technology terms since Invisalign was introduced in 1998.
Fortunately, there are now more specialised ways of providing aligner treatment. We use the latest sophisticated 3D software (shown on the right) to directly customise each patient’s treatment rather than relying on a remote technician & standardised algorithms. In addition, improved aligner material options are rapidly becoming available & the Priestgate Clinic has frontline access to these innovations as they become available in the UK.
By investing in this new 3D technology, we can make aligner treatment more clinically AND cost-effective, saving you money compared with the fees at other orthodontic & dental practices.
We'll also use our expertise to identify any shortfalls in what aligners can actually achieve, and proactively factor this into the treatment plan.
Finally, we're probably the first UK orthodontists to routinely merge both fixed appliances & aligner braces within single courses of adult treatment, since 2021. This new approach aims to seamlessly get the best from each type of appliance, while reducing overall treatment times & maximising the aesthetic benefits for our adult patients. Our expertise with specialised design software & in-house 3D printing facilities makes this possible, while also proving cost-effective for patients to get the ‘best of both worlds’.
For example, the photographs below show a 57 year old whose treatment combined 7 months with an upper fixed appliance followed by 3 months wearing upper & lower aligners. Aligners alone would not have fully corrected the vertical irregularities and deep bite. Furthermore, unlike traditional aligner approaches, tooth attachments were only required on two teeth (shown in blue in the virtual image).
Orthodontics is a very valuable investment, which we price individually in a fair & transparent manner. In particular:
Clinical innovation is what makes us tick! That's why we're the first UK practice to introduce a range of 3D technical innovations & clinical improvements over the last few years, to truly benefit our child & adult patients.
Drs Taloumtzi & Cousley work closely together to ensure that every patient receives the best possible orthodontic care, using the most advanced techniques available.
