Incognito Vs Invisalign: Birmingham Brace Favourites

Birmingham has a strong service-based economy where many professionals frequently face colleagues and clients as part of their day-to-day role. With approximately 85% of adults working in the service sector, it’s understandable that aesthetics are an important part of their day jobs and they may feel self conscious when pitching a new idea to the boss with a chunky, metallic brace!

According to a survey run by the Oral Health Foundation, 58% of British adults said they have changed the way they see their smile as a result of online video calls with 24% feeling more conscious about teeth alignment.  If you have been among the 46.6% of professionals working from home during the pandemic and are now considering starting your journey to a straighter smile, we have two discreet orthodontic options we think you’ll love!

Adult braces can be a source of anxiety so your search for discreet braces in Birmingham will likely reveal two types of ‘‘invisible’’ orthodontic treatment options – Invisalign and Incognito (hidden lingual) braces… but which brace is right for you?

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Birmingham: what are they and how do they work?
Clear, removable and loved by celebrities all over the world, Invisalign is the most advanced invisible brace available that will gradually and discreetly move your teeth to create the smile you’ve always wanted.

All Birmingham patients of Orthodontics For You are invited to a complimentary, no obligation consultation where our orthodontists can assess your teeth and requirements.  Once your orthodontist has confirmed you are eligible for Invisalign treatment, it is a very straightforward process where we create 3D treatment plans using x-rays and scans of your teeth – your treatment plan will be as unique as you are!

Using a series of transparent aligners (similar to retainers) instead of traditional brackets and wires, Invisalign is a great orthodontic option for correcting slight overcrowding to more complex straightening issues including bite alignment and gaps between teeth – more on that below!

You will need to change your Invisalign clear aligner every 1 to 2 weeks, but you can do this at home so there is no need to worry about regularly taking time out of your busy day to visit our dental practice.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from a strong material to withstand any bending or cracking and they are trimmed to fit your exact gum line as they ‘hug’ each individual tooth.

On average, Birmingham patients wear their aligners for 6 to 12 months, but as you now know your treatment plan and oral requirements are totally bespoke so your orthodontist will confirm the expected duration of your treatment at your consultation.

Available from £4,000 with affordable finance options, many patients find Invisalign braces more comfortable than traditional braces as they’re so easy to put in and take out, and are virtually invisible!  Invisalign are also the only removeable orthodontic treatment option available so patients can continue to enjoy all the foods they love without restriction.

Teeth straightening in Birmingham with Invisalign
At Orthodontics For You over 60% of our patient base are adults proving that braces aren’t just for teenagers!  When we see new adult patients seeking straighter teeth, we regularly recommend Invisalign as this orthodontic option can address a variety of teeth and jaw alignment issues, and discreetly too – that’s what makes them so popular among adults!

Here’s a brief overview of the different types of dental problems Invisalign can correct:

  • Misaligned teeth as a result of genetics or thumb-sucking habits in childhood.
  • Crooked and crowded teeth.
  • Overbite (when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth).
  • Underbite (when you lower front teeth overlap your upper front teeth).
  • Crossbite and open bite (both affect how your teeth meet when you close your mouth which can lead to bite problems and painful gums).

Pros and cons of Invisalign

Pros:

  • Clear and almost unnoticeable to others when you smile, speak or pose for pictures.
  • More comfortable than a traditional brace.
  • Removable throughout treatment (for eating and brushing your teeth etc).
  • Allows for better dental hygiene (as you can remove the brace to thoroughly clean your teeth).
  • Low maintenance with fewer dental visits (compared to a fixed brace).
  • Customised to your teeth.
  • Does not impact on your lifestyle as you can continue to consume your favourite food and drink… no matter how chewy or fizzy!
  • Finance options are available with Orthodontics For You (a new smile needn’t break the bank).

Cons:

  • Requires a little more discipline from you – to get the maximum benefit from Invisalign, you must wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours a day therefore if you think you’ll be tempted to slip them out more often, it may not be the best choice for you.
  • Removal when eating or drinking – if not removed, food and drink can get stuck in your aligners where bacteria will then begin to grow. You must remember to keep your teeth and your aligners clean.


Incognito braces Birmingham: what are they, and how do they work?
Incognito braces, otherwise known as hidden lingual braces or e-brace systems, are a revolutionary orthodontic treatment option offered in Birmingham as they are fitted onto the backs of your teeth (on the tongue side of your mouth), meaning they are completely hidden from the front – perfect for Birmingham adults who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing they’re wearing a brace!

Incognito braces use pressure from a metal wire to push teeth into the desired position, just like ceramic and metal braces, but unlike other, more traditional braces, the brackets are fitted to the backs of your teeth.

Incognito braces are a great way to correct a variety of mild, moderate and severe misalignment issues especially for patients whose social or professional situation does not allow for traditional braces for aesthetics purposes.  Prospective patients can discuss all of their dental woes with our team prior to starting treatment and upon assessing your teeth, our specialist orthodontist will confirm if Incognito braces could work for you.

Using 3D impressions of your teeth, Incognito braces are 100% customised to each patient in order to deliver specific results with a comfortable brace.  Treatment times vary between 12 to 24 months (on average), although many Birmingham patients have reported seeing results after a matter of weeks!

Our lingual braces are priced from £4,200, but patients of Orthodontics For You can spread the cost of their treatment without having to undergo credit checks… that’s a relief, right?  Just take a look at our financing page for more information on financing your smile.

Teeth straightening in Birmingham with Incognito braces
If you want to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, Incognito braces are the perfect solution.  Plus, they can correct a variety of mild to severe dental alignment issues whilst hiding behind your teeth… that’s a secret worth having!

Here’s a brief overview of the different types of dental misalignments Incognito brace can treat:

  • Misaligned teeth.
  • Crooked and severely crowded teeth.
  • Large gaps between teeth.
  • Overbite and underbites.
  • Crossbite and open bites.

Pros and cons of Incognito braces

Pros:

  • Practically invisible to others – no metal wires or brackets on view!
  • Customised to your teeth.
  • Can treat severe dental alignment issues.
  • Confidence boosting during treatment.
  • Easy to keep clean and maintain.
  • Progress is closely monitored by your orthodontist at regular check-up appointments.
  • They are a type of fixed brace, meaning they are always working and impossible to lose (as you cannot take them out during treatment).
  • Orthodontics For You Practice Principle, Mark Forty, was named as one of the most experienced Incognito Practitioners in the UK in 2022 – so you can be sure you’re in safe and experienced hands.
  • Finance options are available with Orthodontics For You (a new smile needn’t break the bank).

Cons:

  • One of our most expensive treatment types (but you can spread the cost of treatment with monthly direct debit payments).
  • You will need to adapt your eating habits (avoid anything hard or chewy that could dislodge a bracket or the wire).
  • Patients may find that for the first week or so they experience mild soreness or parts of their brace may irritate their tongue, but this won’t last.
  • You may develop a lisp after the brace is fitted. Again, this shouldn’t last longer than a few days and we can give you some tips to help you adjust.
  • Patients need to have excellent oral hygiene habits to avoid getting food debris stuck in their Incognito brace.
  • Requires regular trips to your orthodontist throughout treatment to tighten your brace (visits are approximately every 6 to 8 weeks).

 

Invisalign clear aligners and Incognito hidden lingual braces are both excellent orthodontic options for adults wanting to discreetly straighten their teeth and improve the appearance of their smile.

Here at Orthodontics For You, we understand that your smile is a significant part of your identity and we have a wealth of experience working with a diverse population who want to feel positive about themselves and how they express themselves.

Don’t forget, all prospective Birmingham patients are invited to a complimentary, no obligation consultation to understand what braces could work well for them, expected treatment times and have their brace-related questions answered. Just click here to book your free consultation and kickstart your journey to a brand new smile!

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