Orthodontic treatment for adults

1. Invisalign Express Package

This is the cheapest and shortest type of Invisalign. Invisalign Express is used for simple minor teeth straightening and treatment of minor orthodontic relapse (teeth returning to their original position after they’ve been straightened, normally due to not wearing a retainer). This treatment can involve the upper and/or lower teeth and usually involves between 1-7 aligners, with one free refinement (additional aligners). Treatment can take as little as 3 months.

2. Invisalign Lite Package

Invisalign Lite is used to treat mild to moderate cases. Upper and/or lower teeth are treated, with approximately 8-14 aligners and 2 additional free refinements.

3. Invisalign Comprehensive Package

Invisalign Comprehensive is designed for the most complex of orthodontic cases. It can treat a full spectrum of adult patients with moderate to severe crowding, open bites, crossbites, deep bites and spacing. It generally involves treating the upper and lower jaws. It is the most extensive of Invisalign treatments requiring a minimum of 15 aligners. On average treatment can take between 12-36 months.

Fixed braces are available in tooth coloured varieties that blend in with the natural colour of teeth. At Colm Smith Dental & Specialist Centre we use American Orthodontics’ Radiance Plus brackets which delivers exceptional results with features other cosmetic brackets just can’t match. Along with these aesthetic brackets we use American Orthodontics’ Iconix Aesthetic Wires offering best-in-class aesthetics to complement all cosmetic bracket treatment options.

Elastic modules are used to hold the wire in place which may stain with tea, coffee, tomato-based foods, curries, red wine and smoking, these are changed at every orthodontic visit.

Metal braces are fixed braces or ‘train tracks’ which are used to straighten your teeth. They are glued to your teeth. They are composed of brackets and wires which are held in place with elastic modules which are changed at every visit.

Six-month Smile is a brand of braces that focuses solely on straightening the front teeth only. It works primarily by ‘tipping’ the front teeth out. Whilst this will provide you with straight teeth, it may produce a prominent looking smile and your teeth may look like they ‘stick out. Also, there is a higher risk your teeth will ‘slip back’ after treatment. Given these risks, your suitability for this treatment will be determined at your initial assessment.

This type of treatment is carried out by clinicians with limited orthodontic training and is not a technique we promote at Colm smith Dental & Specialist Centre.

It is worth bearing in mind that the quickest result does not always provide the best and most stable result. Orthodontic treatment requires careful planning and regular supervision to provide you with the best outcome.