Simpli5 Braces

I’ve heard of braces before, but not Simpli5, what are they?

A Simpli5 appliance is a type of transparent aligner that’s used to treat crooked or miss-aligned teeth. It is similar to the Invisalign system, both in appearance and range – neither is suitable for severe orthodontic problems. The braces are called Simpli5 because 5 aligners are used during the course of the treatment, although 10 may be required if both upper and lower teeth require attention – 5 aligners for each jaw.

Can they help me?

It’s possible that Simpli5 could help you, depending on what sort of condition your teeth are in. Clear aligners are not able to deal with extreme miss-alignment, but can help with a variety of other situations.

• Minor complaints like twisted teeth or small gaps can be solved using Simpli5, more specifically those affecting the front teeth that are obvious when smiling.
• Refinement following extensive orthodontic treatment is another popular use for this type of brace. After more heavy-duty techniques have done their job, the Simpli5 system is employed to make small alterations to bring the teeth perfectly into alignment.
• Relapse from previous treatment is unfortunately very common, it may be that the patient has failed to wear their retainer or properly follow the instruction given to them, or they were just given  bad service from the start. Simpli5 braces are ideal for gently returning the teeth to the desired position and correcting other minor alterations that have occurred over time.
• Preparation for dental veneers. Although most dentists would recommend a full course of orthodontics instead of simply covering the teeth with veneers, some patients are after immediate results that can also disguise their discoloured teeth. In these cases, Simpli5 would be used to correct any alignment problems that are making it difficult to fix veneers in place. As well as making the subsequent process easier, Simpli5 can reduce the amount of reshaping and reduction required beforehand.

What do they look like?

When most people think of braces, they probably imagine the traditional metal ‘train tracks’ that every teenager seemed to have in the eighties, but clear aligners are not called ‘invisible braces’ for nothing. A Simpli5 appliance is made up of a clear shield that is moulded to fit perfectly over the teeth, it has no metal or brackets, no springs or elastic bands. The beauty of such a discreet device is that it opens up the world of orthodontics to adults who had long ago abandoned the idea of having a beautiful, straight smile, because the transparent braces are barely visible when worn.

How long does treatment take?

It’s impossible to give an accurate time length for treatment, because every patient is going to receive care that is specific to their individual problems. A rough estimation would probably be somewhere between ten and twenty weeks, but this does vary greatly from patient to patient. Also, because the aligner is completely removable, it does depend on how long it is worn for – it can work much faster if it is worn for most of the day and night.

How is Simpli5 fitted?

The first step is to assess whether the system is suitable for you, if you’re wondering whether you could benefit from Simpli5, give the team at the Pearl Dental Clinic a call, organise a consultation and get the ball rolling. If your dentist decides you are a candidate for the treatment, they will take an impression of your teeth with putty – this is for the laboratory technicians to form a mould to fabricate the aligner with. It can take several weeks for your first appliance to be made, it has to be manufactured to your exact specifications, otherwise it won’t do the job properly.

When your braces arrive, you will have to wear them for about a month, keeping them in for at least twenty hours a day, longer if possible. During the first fitting, you will notice that the shield hugs the teeth quite tightly, whilst applying gentle pressure from the appropriate angles. When it has performed to the full extent, you will start to feel it become slightly looser around your teeth, this is an indicator that it’s time to move on to the next aligner. The procedure is then repeated, with more impressions taken, to account for the movement achieved so far.

Do they hurt?

You will only feel a small amount of discomfort in the first few days after the braces are fitted, this is perfectly normal, as the teeth are just getting used to the new pressure. Your teeth may feel tender and a little sore, but you will get used to the device and before long you won’t even notice you are wearing it.

Some patients report some effect on their speech after first wearing the braces, but as your tongue and lips become accustomed to the new addition, they will quickly learn to shape words and sounds in different ways.

How much does Simpli5 cost?

The Simpli5 system is cheaper than its counterparts, but good orthodontics doesn’t come for free. ‘Invisible braces’ are among the most requested treatments on the market, thanks to their short treatment times and discreet appearance, but that does tend to push the price up a bit. Costs vary dramatically from clinic to clinic, depending on the skill and experience of the practitioner. If you are considering a Simpli5 brace, make sure you ask all the right questions during your initial consultation. Ask your dentist to break the costs down for you and even enquire about financing plans if you’re short on cash. For the best treatment on the market, you have to expect to pay a little bit more, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run.