Navigating change: the shifting landscape of orthodontics from metal braces to Invisalign
As members of a local dental clinic deeply rooted in our community, at Old Court House Dental Practice we have dedicated ourselves to the never-ending quest of perfecting smiles. Over the years, we have watched with curiosity and anticipation as the landscape of orthodontics has undergone dramatic transformations. It is an evolving world that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in dental technology, and we’ve made it our mission to stay at the forefront of this change with Invisalign in Dorking.
The dawn of traditional braces at our practice feels like a lifetime ago. The initial phase was a learning curve, both for us and our patients. There were challenges and triumphs, lessons learned and techniques perfected. For years, braces have been the standard go-to solution for misaligned teeth.
The age-old technique: braces
We remember the era of traditional braces with a mixture of nostalgia and appreciation. The metal brackets and wires were the only tools we had to correct crowded or misaligned teeth, and they were effective indeed. Each bracket attached to a tooth played a pivotal role in applying pressure to slowly move the teeth in the desired direction.
It was a period of long-term commitment. Patients, mostly adolescents, embarked on a journey that often lasted several years. Yes, there were moments of discomfort, slight speech impediments, dietary restrictions, and aesthetic concerns. Despite these, the satisfaction of achieving a perfectly aligned smile, the joy of seeing the transformation unfold over time, was immeasurable. For many, the brace-face phase became an iconic part of their teenage years.
A new dawn: clear aligners
Then came the new dawn. The emergence of clear aligners initiated a revolution in the field of orthodontics. This innovative technology, initially perceived with scepticism, gradually won over the hearts and smiles of our patients.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign in Dorking, brought about a significant departure from the era of traditional braces. The aligners, made of a transparent plastic material, were designed to be virtually invisible. This advancement in dental technology as well as a new acceptance generally towards orthodontics meant an end to the days of ‘metal mouth’ stigma. Now, patients could undergo orthodontic treatment without it being evident to the outside world.
The comfort factor was another welcome change. The gentle pressure exerted by these aligners made the teeth-straightening process more comfortable. Also, the aligners were removable, offering flexibility in eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. This feature was a breath of fresh air, especially after the meticulous cleaning efforts required with traditional braces.
But perhaps the most significant change was the digital planning aspect of the treatment. Clear aligners used a digital 3D model of the patient’s teeth to predict the movement over the treatment duration. This digital precision brought about unprecedented accuracy, and patients could visualise their treatment outcome even before it began.
Our commitment to innovation and care
While we embraced this change with open arms, our journey wasn’t just about shifting from braces to Invisalign in Dorking. It was about ensuring the best possible care for our patients and offering them the most advanced solutions. We meticulously trained ourselves in this new technology, spent countless hours understanding its nuances, and equipped our clinic to cater to the changing needs of our community.