What are the Benefits of Clear Aligners Versus Traditional Braces?

What are the Benefits of Clear Aligners Versus Traditional Braces?

If you’ve recently looked into getting your teeth straightened in Manchester, you’ll likely already know that modern dentistry offers an alternative to regular fixed braces in options like Invisalign. Worn by over 21 million people worldwide, Invisalign is just one brand available in the UK, so what is it that makes them so popular?

The appeal is obvious, or perhaps, should we say…it’s not? You see, it’s an option that’s nearly invisible, meaning if you’re self-conscious, they allow you to achieve your ideal smile without having wires and brackets in your mouth.

In this article, we look at what makes Invisalign better than standard braces and what’s involved when you take this route.

What Benefits Do Clear Aligners Offer Over Traditional Braces?

When you go for treatment like Invisalign in Manchester, the main selling point is that they’re wearable without anyone knowing they’re there. Made from transparent medical-grade plastic that moulds to your teeth, they’re virtually invisible, even when you’re talking with someone face to face.

However, that’s not the only advantage you get over normal braces, as you can see in the table below.

Pretty much every aspect of wearing fixed braces is improved upon when you choose to get clear aligners in Manchester instead. Cleaning is easier (because you can take them out), there are no banned foods, and even speaking normally is simpler. It’s little wonder that Invisalign use is growing.

Which Companies Offer Clear Aligner Treatment Plans in the UK?

Invisalign dominates the market here, as it’s the established name. It’s been going since 1999, has the longest track record, and pretty much every dental practice offers it. The brand recognition alone makes it the default choice for most people wanting clear aligners in Altrincham and Cheadle.

However, you’re certainly not limited to just Invisalign. The market has expanded considerably over the last decade, with several credible alternatives now available through UK dental practices.

The quality can vary, but the reputable providers all use proper medical-grade materials. Other options worth knowing about include:

• Smileify – A brand that’s becoming more common in private practices across the UK. Generally cheaper than Invisalign while still delivering good results for straightforward cases
• SureSmile – uses advanced 3D planning software to map out your treatment. Known for precision and is backed by Dentsply Sirona
• ClearCorrect – owned by Straumann, one of the biggest names in dental implants, so there’s solid backing and quality control behind it

These brands are generally seen as a good option when the realignment needed is fairly minimal. However, when you’re looking at effectiveness across the board, it’s Invisalign. It costs more, but it’s a market leader, and there’s a reason why.

Does Invisalign Cost More in London?

Yes, like many things, the closer to London you are, the more things cost. Across the UK, Invisalign prices typically range from £2,000 to £5,500, but compared to Invisalign in Manchester, you can pay as much as £2k more as a patient in the Capital.

That said, geography is not the only thing that can influence what you pay overall, as there are a number of other factors at play.

They include:

• How complicated your case is – Minor crowding or small gaps in your teeth cost less than serious realignment work or fixing bite problems.
• How long your treatment takes – Six months of treatment costs less than twelve. The more movement needed, the higher the price.
• What’s actually included? – Some practices bundle replacement trays as you progress into the price, while others charge you as you go, which does catch some people out.

If the cost seems a little daunting at first, you should know that most practices (us included) offer interest-free finance on treatment like this, which means many patients end up paying between £80 and £200 a month, depending on whether it’s over 12 or 24 months.

Where Can I Find Reviews of Popular Clear Aligner Providers?

Your first stop should be Trustpilot, as it’s where most major clear aligner companies have profiles there with hundreds, if not thousands, of patient reviews. Google Reviews are also good for finding out more about the experiences people are having with clear aligners in Manchester and beyond.

Dental review sites like whatclinic.com are also a good bet, and they let you filter by treatment type and location. Reviews there tend to go into more detail, including things like wait times, how helpful the staff were, and whether the amount quoted matched the final price.

What is the Typical Duration for Clear Aligner Treatment?

If you choose clear aligners like Invisalign in Manchester, treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. It all depends on what needs doing. If your teeth have some minor crowding issues or small gaps, you’re looking at 6 to 9 months, whereas with more complicated cases, it’ll be closer to 18 months.

Every couple of weeks, you’ll swap to a new set of aligners, and most people get through 20-40 sets in total. This all gets monitored during the 6-8 week dental check-ups you have at your local clinic.

So, how do you book a consultation with a clear aligner specialist near you, and what happens during it? With us, it usually goes something like this:

• Give us a call or book online – we don’t charge for initial consultations
• We’ll have a look at your teeth and work out if clear aligners are going to suit your case
• You’ll get a treatment plan tailored to you, with a full quote so there’s no surprises later
• We’ll answer whatever questions you’ve got about timings, costs, and what the process actually involves

Consultations take half an hour to 45 minutes. There’s no pressure – it’s just so you can get the full picture and decide if it’s something you want to go ahead with.

Considering Clear Aligners? Book a Consultation at Ringway Dental

Straighter teeth are more accessible and discreet than ever before, so if you’re wondering whether Invisalign is right for you, the best place to start is with a proper consultation. We’ll look at your smile, talk through what you’re after, and give you a realistic sense of what treatment involves.

The Ringway Dental team has helped many people improve their smiles, so we have the experience and expertise to help, whether you have small gaps, misaligned teeth or something more complicated.

Get in touch with our team today. We’ll make sure you’ve got answers to everything you need before you decide anything.

FAQs About Clear Aligners in Manchester

Q – Can I switch from traditional braces to clear aligners mid-treatment?

A – In some cases, yes. It depends on how far along you are and what still needs correcting. Your orthodontist would need to assess your current progress and create a new treatment plan. Keep in mind you might end up paying for two separate treatments.

Q – Do clear aligners hurt?

A – You’ll feel pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, which can be uncomfortable for a day or two. It’s not painful exactly, just a tight feeling as your teeth start to shift. Most people get used to it quickly.

Q – What happens if I lose an aligner?

A – Contact your dentist right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, they might tell you to move to the next set early, go back to the previous set, or order a replacement.

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