What can braces fix?

Types of braces

Expand each section to discover the advantages and disadvantages of different types of braces

  • Invisalign®

    This is an invisible brace system. Clear braces or Aligners are worn on the teeth and aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks. Each aligner is custom made and causes small, incremental movements of your teeth.

    Invisalign

    Advantages of Invisalign®

    • They are more attractive than metal braces and are almost invisible.
    • More comfortable than fixed braces as they are smoother and less likely to catch your cheeks and tongue.
    • Can be removed to clean your teeth more easily than with fixed braces.
    • Tooth movements modelled in 3D so you can see the approximate anticipated result.
    • Can feel more gentle than fixed braces as the movements are smaller and more frequent.

    Disadvantages of Invisalign®

    • Patients need to be motivated to keep the aligners in place for 22 hours per day.
    • Aligners need to be removed for eating and teeth must be brushed before putting them back in, this makes snacking difficult.
    • Clear aligners are not suitable for patients who require more extensive, severe tooth movement.
    • Attachments (made from small amounts of white filling material) are sometimes required to be placed on the teeth for the duration of the treatment. These attachments make the braces slightly more visible. The attachments are always removed by the end of treatment.
  • 32CO clear aligners

    32CO is a new invisible brace system. Clear braces or Aligners are worn on the teeth and aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks. Each aligner is custom made and causes small, incremental movements of your teeth.

    How do clear aligners with 32co work?

    Advantages of 32CO

    • Treatment is digitally planned by a specialist orthodontist unlike other clear brace systems
    • The aligners are more attractive than metal braces and are almost invisible.
    • More comfortable than fixed braces as they are smoother and less likely to catch your cheeks and tongue.
    • Can be removed to clean your teeth more easily than with fixed braces.
    • Tooth movements modelled in 3D so you can see the approximate anticipated result.
    • Can feel more gentle than fixed braces as the movements are smaller and more frequent.

    Disadvantages of 32CO

    • Patients need to be motivated to keep the aligners in place for 22 hours per day.
    • Aligners need to be removed for eating and teeth must be brushed before putting them back in, this makes snacking difficult.
    • Clear aligners are not suitable for patients who require more extensive, severe tooth movement.
    • Attachments (made from small amounts of white filling material) are sometimes required to be placed on the teeth for the duration of the treatment. These attachments make the braces slightly more visible. The attachments are always removed by the end of treatment.
  • Fixed Metal Braces or Ceramic Braces

    Fixed braces utilise brackets which are bonded to the teeth for the duration of treatment. The brackets can be made from metal, plastic or ceramic depending upon the system used. Wires are then attached to these brackets.

    Ceramic Braces
    Fixed Metal Braces

    Advantages of fixed braces

    • Fixed in place which means you can eat with them in place and don’t have to worry about taking them in and out
    • Can be used in more complex cases when difficult tooth movement is required
    • Can be a little quicker than clear aligners
    • Can be cheaper than clear aligners

    Disadvantages of fixed braces

    • Patients don’t often like the appearance of fixed braces.
    • Fixed in place, so more difficult to clean around and food can trap around them while eating
    • Wires can sometimes be uncomfortable at first and can cause small amounts of ulceration
    • Can be more uncomfortable than clear braces.
  • Cfast® cosmetic braces

    Cfast is a type of fixed brace system that aims to correct alignment issues with the top and bottom front six teeth, and can level and round out the arches. Cfast provides an ideal solution for adults looking to improve the position of the teeth you see when you smile, but want to avoid lengthy treatment times.

    Cfast Braces

    Advantages of Cfast® cosmetic braces

    • Brackets are fixed, so unlike clear aligners, you can eat and drink with them in place
    • Quicker treatment times
    • Less expensive
    • Clear brackets and white colour of wire makes them very discreet and almost unnoticeable
    • More gentle pressures than traditional orthodontic methods, therefore minimal risk of side effects and discomfort
    • Can move teeth to a more favourable position to avoid destructive cosmetic crown or veneer work
    • A 3D digital image can be created to show you what kind of result you can expect after the straightening procedure

    Disadvantages of Cfast® cosmetic braces

    • More visible than clear aligners
    • Will not correct position of back teeth
    • Not suitable for more extensive, complicated movements of teeth
    • Can be more difficult to clean than clear aligners
  • Lingual Braces

    Lingual braces are fixed braces, the main difference being that the brackets and wires are bonded to the inside surfaces of the teeth.

    Lingual Braces

    Advantages of Lingual Braces

    • Invisible from the outside
    • Fixed in place which means you can eat with them in place and don’t have to worry about taking them in and out

    Disadvantages of Lingual Braces

    • Difficult to clean
    • More expensive as lingual braces are a specialist only option
    • Not able to correct all misalignments
    • Can be more uncomfortable initially than traditional braces

Do braces hurt?

This is a very good, commonly asked question. In our experience, both personally and professionally, there is no discomfort for almost all of your treatment. We will be sure to advise you during each stage of your treatment what to expect and how to ease any discomfort. Clear or invisible braces are generally more comfortable than fixed braces, both at adjustment and also during wear. There are two times during your treatment when you may have some discomfort.

Do braces hurt when they are first put on?

The first couple of days commonly we would expect your teeth to ache a little. You may require some pain relief (for example, paracetamol). This tends to be more the case with fixed braces rather than clear aligners.

If you have fixed braces fitted, you may find the brackets and wires a little sharp against the inside of the mouth. Your brace provider will often provide you with soft wax that you can apply to any sharp bits in order to ease the discomfort against the inner surfaces of the mouth.

Do braces hurt when they are adjusted?

Depending upon the adjustment, sometimes a thicker wire is applied which progressively increases the force applied that is moving your teeth. If this is the case, you can sometimes expect to feel a little discomfort for a few days again.

Before and after braces

Here are some cases completed by our dentists

How Much Do Braces Cost?

At the Vallance Dental Centre we can provide Invisalign and Cfast Braces. The prices for these treatments are as follows. For our latest prices check our Dental Charges page.

Invisalign Prices

Invisalign suitability check – FREE
Invisalign Consultation – £65
Invisalign – Single arch – From £1800
Invisalign – Dual arch – From £2750

Tooth whitening and standard retainers included for FREE in price quoted!

32CO Clear aligner prices

32CO aligner suitability check – FREE

32CO Clear aligners – dual arch – From £2800

Tooth whitening and standard retainers included for FREE in price quoted!

Finance your dental treatment with Tabeo

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Calculate my rate

Available for many treatments and for up to £30,000. Credit decisions will be subject to your individual circumstances. You must be over 18 and earn an income to apply.

Can I Get NHS Braces?

Unfortunately as braces are often deemed cosmetic, the budget and therefore the availability of this treatment is limited. We’d love all our patients to have straight teeth and if NHS treatment is available for you we will be sure to discuss this with you and refer you accordingly. It is important to remember that only fixed metal wire type braces are available through the NHS, invisible and clear braces are not available for any NHS patients.

According to NHS guidelines, orthodontic treatment treatment is available to patients who meet certain criteria –

  • Patients aged under 18 who score grade 4 and above on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need scale (IOTN)
  • Patients aged over 18 on a case-by-case basis – in severe cases or health reasons only

To find out more about this please visit the NHS orthodontic information page.

If you are likely to be eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment your dentist will refer you, currently NHS waiting lists are approximately 1.5 to 2 years long.

Can I Get Private Braces?

If you aren’t eligible for NHS treatment or you don’t want to wait 1.5- 2 years for NHS orthodontic treatment, private treatment is available at any time without restriction. All treatment types and methods are available to patients on a private basis. Treatment can be started without delay if you decided to go ahead after a consultation.

Meet the braces team…

Our Invisalign® dentists

  • Profile of Dr. Arfeen Aslam, award winning Dentist.

    Arfeen Aslam

    Dr. Arfeen Aslam graduated from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Dentistry, King’s College London and obtained his membership of the faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2012. He has completed various postgraduate dental courses including a certificate in advanced aesthetic and restorative dentistry, becoming a certified provider of a wide range of orthodontic treatments and completing a year long programme in implant placement and restoration. Along with a caring, ethical approach he strives to make a difference to each and every person that he treats. Arfeen won the prestigious Private Dentistry award as the Best Young Dentist North in 2018.

    • B.D.S(2008)
    • Registration number: 156196
    • Private Dentistry Award winner 2018 - Best Young Dentist North area
    Read More
  • Isabella Parkes

    I graduated Manchester Dental School in 2016 and joined The Vallance Dental Centre in 2022. I enjoy practicing general dentistry and easing concerns of children and anxious adults alike. I am a qualified Invisalign and tooth whitening provider. I also practice facial aesthetics and have great results with Botulinum toxin and filler, offering natural enhancements. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and travelling.

    • BDS (2016)
    • Registration number: 264509
    Read More

Our 32CO Dentists

  • George Cheesman

    Having graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 I joined the team at Vallance. It has been a long-time dream of mine to combine my passion for healthcare and practical tasks, and a degree in dentistry has allowed me to do that. I always endeavour to provide the highest quality care for all my patients using techniques backed up by evidence. Other than dentistry, my interests include keeping fit, travelling, and eating good food!

    • BDS Bachelor in Dental Surgery
    • Registration number: 296606
    • University of Liverpool
    Read More
  • Isabella Parkes

    I graduated Manchester Dental School in 2016 and joined The Vallance Dental Centre in 2022. I enjoy practicing general dentistry and easing concerns of children and anxious adults alike. I am a qualified Invisalign and tooth whitening provider. I also practice facial aesthetics and have great results with Botulinum toxin and filler, offering natural enhancements. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and travelling.

    • BDS (2016)
    • Registration number: 264509
    Read More
  • Karim Shokraee

    I was inspired to become a dentist since I was a young teenager due to the dramatic effect orthodontics had on my life. I graduated from the University of Manchester in 2009, worked in Leeds for 2 years and have been practicing from the Vallance Dental Centre since 2011.

    I always strive to do my best for patients and am passionate about predictable and ethical general dentistry. In my spare time I am a keen sports skydiver and skydiving coach!

    • BDS (2009), PgCert Dental Education
    • Registration number: 177586
    Read More

What customers say about us.

The Vallance Dental Centre IconThe Vallance Dental Centre

Brunswick Street, Manchester

4.8 ★★★★★ 923 reviews

  • Avatar Felix Olawuni ★★★★★ a month ago
    My experience in Vallance dental centre was fantastic. The dentist was amazing because she was sure of her work. I really appreciate her and her assistant. I will definitely recommend the practice to anyone who needs a professional dental care. Thanks.
  • Avatar Wendy Wilson ★★★★★ a month ago
    I visited yesterday for my six month check up. As always reception was very helpful.
    My dentist, Amy, is amazing. I have been seeing her for a year now and I am delighted. I also saw Catherine and Megan, who were so helpful and kind.
    As always this was a really pleasant dental experience.
  • Avatar Carol Braid ★★★★★ a month ago
    Was seen by Tiphanie & Catherine for a couple of fillings to correct chips on my front teeth. Great care was taken to make them look natural, and the colour match was brilliant. The care and attention to my comfort was paramount. Thank you Girls xx
  • Avatar Robert Nelson ★★★★★ a month ago
    I was really nervous about coming to the dentist today as I have had not great experiences in the past. Louisa and Catherine made me feel at ease. They did a fantastic job! thank you.
  • Avatar Charlotte Odell ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    I was so nervous about coming , but Amy and Sue were absolutely fantastic. Not only were they gentle and reassuring, frequently asking if I was okay while having my fillings, They were friendly , funny and lovely to chat too. I felt so relaxed while having the treatment. Thank you so much again. Honestly the most gentle painless experience I've had at the dentist. Also take my child to Dr Amy and she was absolutely amazing with him as well 👍🏼
  • Avatar Elizabeth Darko ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    The best place I can take my children to, they never disappoint with their appointments, the lady at the front desk she’s so lovely, Tiphanie and Catherine both where really kind and gentle , they also called us just on time, definitely will be going back. That’s a dentist for me and my children. I appreciate they’re hard work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hi there. If you have questions or at any point you’re confused then you’re looking  at the right place to find the answers. You can also email us at contact@thevallance.com.

  • What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

    Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

    • Completed written medical history, details and names of any medication
    • Funds adequate to cover appropriate fees.
    • If applicable, proof of any exemptions from NHS dental charges. If not exempt from NHS charges,
    • Proof of address (utility bill, driving licence)
    • Proof of ID (passport, driving licence, red book if child)
  • What do I need to bring to subsequent appointments?

    Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

    • Any updated medical history details and names of any medication changes
    • Funds adequate to cover appropriate fees
  • My teeth feel fine why do I need regular checks?

    It is great that your teeth feel fine, but we would recommend you have a dental checkup if you haven’t had one for a while. The reason for this is that often when dental symptoms appear the problem causing them is much more difficult to fix, and often with a worse prognosis. For example, early tooth decay often causes little or no discomfort or sensitivity. If this decay progresses then tooth loss or root canal treatment may be inevitable. With regular dental checkups the aim is to identify any problems early so they can be resolved with the best prognosis.

    We follow the guidelines set out by NICE with regard to dental examinations. Your risk to certain dental diseases will be assessed and a recall interval will be recommended from 3 to 24 months for your next check up.

Contact us today.