Invisalign treatment showing dental scan.

Fixed Braces vs Clear Aligners/Invisalign

At Wadebridge Dental, we are able to offer our patients a choice of fixed orthodontic or removable clear Aligner/Invisalign treatment to achieve a perfect smile. 

As Cornwall’s experienced Diamond Invisalign providers with over 10 years of experience and additional diploma qualifications achieved by our dentists, you are in the best hands, even for the most complex of cases.

We can treat teenagers and adults with Teeth Straightening and offer free consultations; you do not need to be registered 

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces, often called metal braces or “train-tracks”, consist of metal brackets stuck to each tooth and connected by wires and elastic bands. Adjustments are made periodically to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.

Advantages:

  • Effective for complex cases: Fixed braces are highly effective for treating severe misalignments, overcrowding, and bite issues.
  • Predictable outcomes: Since they are fixed, the progress is continuously controlled by the orthodontist, ensuring precise results.
  • Variety of types: Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces (which are less noticeable), and lingual braces (attached to the back of the teeth).

Considerations:

  • Visibility: Fixed braces are more noticeable compared to clear aligners.
  • Comfort: They can cause discomfort, especially after adjustments.
  • Hygiene: They require meticulous oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and decay.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners/Invisalign are a more recent addition to fixed braces. These bespoke-made, transparent plastic trays fit snugly over the teeth. A digital plan is created that will show you how your teeth move from their current to the desired final point. The plan is separated into stages, each stage consisting of one aligner. Each aligner is worn for 7-10 days, depending on the complexity of the movements.

Advantages:

  • Aesthetics: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens concerned about appearance.
  • Removable: They can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene and no dietary restrictions.
  • Comfort: Smooth plastic aligners are generally more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation than metal braces.

Considerations:

  • Discipline required: Patients must wear aligners for 22 hours a day for effective treatment, requiring a high level of compliance.

The choice between the systems depends on the type of tooth movements required, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle considerations.

Recent Awards

Google Reviews

Excellent
Wadebridge Dental Care4.9
Based on 1593 reviews
Mark Gatehouse
31 minutes ago
Friendly staff efficient in their work
Response from the owner:Thank you! Nothing makes us happier than delighted patients!
Chris Easton
2 days ago
Very friendly and informative.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5* review , we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Can't fault the service I received, friendly and professional
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sharon, we are happy to hear that you had such a positive experience.
Ken Kunde
2 days ago
I visited Hygienist Bryher, she is very thorough, cheery and chatty and does excellent work. I am always happy when i have to visit her. She is very good.
Kate
1 week ago
Once again, a great experience at the dentist seeing Damien. 03.06.24 great communication, very friendly. I would definitely recommend Damien. If you feel anxious, you are put at ease straight away.

What an amazing dentist .
They have fitted me in 3 different times as emergency care over a period of only a few weeks.
Very friendly staff.

Very happy with their care to me, Mary-jane made me feel very comfortable & explained everything to me & made sure i was ok throughout the whole process, especially after having root canal treatment.

I would definitely use wadebridge dentist again, hopefully seeing Mary-Jane again.
Thank youl
Damien is amazing, he makes me feel so comfortable & at ease when i am sitting in the dentists chair, on the 16.05.22 i had root canal treatment & Damien did a fantastic job, he kept me informed about everything he was doing. Damien i cant recommend enough. Thank you Damien.

My daughter had a routine check up on the 20.7.22, what can i say Damien again was excellent, very professional & makes you feel very comfortable, my daughter was a bit nervous for the appointment, but by the end she was completely fine & at ease with Damien, she said to me after, isnt Damien really nice.

On the 22nd & 29th December 2022 i had 2 emergency appointments for some pain i was getting.

I saw a Dentist called James, well what can i say he was amazing, talked everything throu with me & i felt very comfortable with him & felt reassured when james did some treatment on me. James also said any other problems please get in touch.
Kate

Again another great experience at the dentist seeing Damien, just a check up on 03.03.26. Very welcoming, very professional. Very happy with my care today.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your lovely review and we have shared this with Damien and our wider team. We are delighted that you are pleased wit the service that we provided.
A Armstrong
2 weeks ago
Love this dentist wouldn't want to go else were
Marie Centini
2 weeks ago
Brilliant service. Rang in afternoon and appointment for next day. A complicated extraction but dentist was really good and talked through everything. Would definitely recommend
Alan Kimberley
2 weeks ago
Prompt efficient and courteous

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