Thinking about having your teeth straightened in the New Year?
Here’s how Invisalign and Cfast braces can help our Canterbury patients.
A new year always seems to bring about a little reflection. People look at what they want to change, what they want to improve, and sometimes what they have quietly put off for far too long. We have heard patients say that they have been thinking about straightening their teeth for years but never quite made the leap. The start of the forthcoming new year then, is a great time to finally make that move.
Adults choose orthodontic treatment for all sorts of reasons. Some want a more attractive smile for work or to improve social confidence. Others feel that their teeth have moved since their teenage years and want to regain a more regular appearance. Whatever the motivation, the main message is that modern dentistry offers far more comfortable and discreet options than many people expect. Two that are particularly popular are Invisalign and Cfast. They take different approaches, but both can create noticeable improvements without dramatic disruption to your daily life.
Why make a change?
Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. Some people tell us that they simply want their teeth to look more even, or for a gap to look smaller, or that one twisted tooth looks less dominant in photographs. Others want their smile to look as attractive as possible. There is also the practical side, straighter teeth tend to trap fewer bits of food and are therefore usually easier to keep clean.
Patients of Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic no longer need to imagine bulky metal braces when thinking about orthodontics. Both Invisalign and Cfast are designed with appearance and comfort in mind which is why so many people who once dismissed the idea are now giving it a second look.
How Invisalign works
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that sit over your teeth. You wear each set for a short period before moving to the next one in the sequence. Each step gently guides the teeth into slightly better positions, and this combined effect over time can produce significant results.
People often choose Invisalign because:
- The aligners are very discreet and easy to live with.
- Mealtimes feel normal because you remove the trays to eat.
- Brushing and flossing are straightforward.
- The trays are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Invisalign suits a wide variety of cases, particularly mild and moderate crowding, spacing between teeth, and relapse after earlier orthodontic treatment. It is steady, flexible, and fits neatly around work and family life.
How Cfast works
Cfast takes a different route. It uses clear brackets and fine, tooth-coloured wires to gently move the front teeth. These are the teeth most visible when you smile, so the system focuses on improving their alignment without altering the whole bite.
People often choose Cfast because:
- Treatment times can be shorter than some other aligner systems.
- It handles certain types of tooth rotation very effectively.
- The tooth-coloured braces blend in quietly.
- It is aimed at the visible ‘social six’ teeth which is where most people seek improvement.
Cfast is often suited to people who want quicker results or who feel more comfortable with a more established fixed system.
Choosing between the two
Most people arrive with a preference, but the right choice depends on the teeth themselves. Some situations are better handled by aligners, and some respond more predictably to fixed brackets. Lifestyle plays a part too. For example:
- If you want to remove your appliance for meals and special occasions, Invisalign tends to suit that pattern.
- If you feel you may forget to wear aligners often enough, a fixed system like Cfast removes that worry.
- If your main concern is the front teeth only, Cfast may offer a quicker route to the result you want.
- If you want a broader improvement beyond the front teeth, Invisalign often covers more ground.
Your consultation with our Canterbury dentists will help clarify all of this, and it usually becomes obvious quite quickly which path makes the most sense.
What to expect at your assessment
A typical assessment typically includes digital scans, an examination of your teeth and a conversation about what you want to change. We look at how your teeth currently sit, how your bite works, and what level of movement would be needed. Many people say that the assessment feels far more relaxed and informative than they expected. It is a chance to understand your options clearly and to ask whatever questions come to mind. Costs, timelines, aftercare, and likely outcomes are all discussed openly.
Looking ahead to the new year
There is something satisfying about starting the year with a plan. Whether you choose Invisalign or Cfast, both offer a modern and discreet way to improve your smile and many patients tell us they wish they had explored the idea sooner.
If you are thinking about taking that step this year, we would be delighted to talk through your options and help you decide what feels right for you. To book an initial consultation at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic, please call us today on 01227 463529.