Inman Aligner vs. Braces

Conventional braces consist of brackets, bonding material, arch wire and ligature elastic. Braces have constant pressure on them which over time move teeth into the required position. As a treatment that has been used for many years, braces are an effective solution to misaligned and crooked teeth and typically offer excellent results in just a few years. At Southside Dental Group, we can apply braces to treat issues with alignment of teeth.

The Inman Aligner is a removable appliance that is used to align front teeth quickly and safely – often in a matter of weeks. You can use this as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with another kind of cosmetic dental treatment like tooth whitening or veneers. The Inman Aligner works with a plate and aligner that uses custom-made hi-tech titanium springs that align the teeth from both sides – front and back – gently and easily. It isn’t for everyone and is only suitable for people with mild front teeth crowding.

The level of alignment that you need will depend on the type of teeth alignment treatment that you get. If you have a lot of teeth to be aligned, you will most likely need to get braces. If you only have a small amount of alignment to be done in the front of your mouth, then the Inman Aligner might be the best option for you.

Braces Alignment – Advantages

Getting the traditional fixed braces alignment for your teeth will get you the best possible result – but the price you pay for the kind of control your dentist has is time.

The advantages of braces alignment include:

• All teeth are in the best possible positions
• Tooth roots will be aligned in the best possible way
• Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to control the entire process and can
  adjust your teeth to a level of perfection
• May be a more cost-effective option for alignment

Braces Alignment – Disadvantages

It’s a common complaint of school kids and adults with braces everywhere: they can be uncomfortable. But for most people who get braces, the discomfort is nothing compared to the long-term goal of straight teeth – but let’s look at some of the disadvantages:

• Can be uncomfortable/painful
• May be embarrassing for kids
• Can cause self-esteem issues for some people
• Typically takes 12-24 months, and can be longer for more severe cases

Inman Aligner – Advantages

This is a shorter treatment than traditional braces and a course of treatment can be completed in as little as 12 – 26 weeks. Let’s look at some of the advantages:

• Short treatment time
• Can be used for lower and upper front teeth
• Removable technology
• Generally pain/discomfort free
• Relatively invisible – only a small amount of mouth gear is required

Inman Aligner – Disadvantages

The Inman Aligner is a quick and easy solution for mild crowding of front teeth – but there are some disadvantages to it as well.

• More costly solution than traditional braces
• You need to remember to wear it – can be removed – and only works if worn
  for more than 20 hours per day. Otherwise treatment takes a lot longer
• Can affect your speech for a period