Aligned with the times
Each year, thousands of people – both young and old – are seeking essential orthodontic treatment to improve the straightness of their teeth. However, there are still countless people across the country who are dissuaded from seeking the required treatment, out of fear over how orthodontics will negatively impact on their outward appearance. The reason for this often originates from misconceptions around modern orthodontics, and outdated images of crude and cumbersome, lisp-inducing headgear. This, however, could not be further from the truth as today there are numerous forms of discreet orthodontics available, such as Invisalign in Sheffield, which afford patients the ability to undertake essential dental realignment, without anyone suspecting a thing.
Clearly a genius
The Invisalign method of discreet orthodontics was the brainchild of Stanford University graduate Zia Chishti, who, in 1997, after witnessing first-hand the negative impact that orthodontics of that time had on outward appearance and speech, decided to take matters into his own hands.Thus, Chishti teamed up with fellow graduate Kelsey Wirth, and despite having no formal orthodontic training, they forever revolutionised the world of orthodontics when the duo launched their first clear dental aligner in 2001. Since its initial launch, this system has grown into one of the most popular methods of discreet orthodontic alignment in the world, and has helped restore the smiles of millions of happy customers, many of whom are teenagers.
Benefits of system
The basis of the discreet dental aligner system acts by replacing conventional orthodontic methods and tools, such as fused brackets and wires, with a removable, plastic retainer. This retainer is custom moulded around the unique contours of a patient’s teeth, and when worn, utilises specifically placed pressure points to gradually push teeth back into place. The retainer is constructed from a specialist, patented plastic known as SmartTrack, which is used as its uniquely malleable yet firm nature makes it perfect to allow enough movement to gradually push a patient’s teeth back into their correct alignment. Prior to beginning this aligner system, patients must first undertake a consultation period with their dental practitioner, to assess their eligibility for the treatment, as well as to detail the process. Also during this consultation, patients can witness a rendering of the results they can expect to see through this method of treatment, and the timescale within which they can expect these results to be achieved.
Discreet ingenuity
The main reason as to why these aligners have become so vastly popular within the demographic of teenagers and young adults, over more conventional methods of dental realignment, is the discreet nature of the process. As each retainer is uniquely built around the specific shapes and contours of each patient’s teeth, it fits so snugly over their teeth that it becomes practically invisible when worn. This can have a massively positive effect on the self-confidence and esteem of those who seek treatment, as they can undergo essential dental realignment, without attracting any unwanted scrutiny from their peers or colleagues. Another benefit of this procedure is that, unlike conventional methods of orthodontics, the retainer is removable. This uniquely affords patients the ability to carry out treatment around their schedules, such as opting to only wear the retainer when at home or asleep or to remove it for photographs.
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