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The Inman Aligner

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Want straighter teeth without the pain and embarrassment of childhood train tracks? Look no further

Ugly Betty channelled the look, Tom Cruise has worn them too and R&B star Estelle is the latest to be sporting a pair – can't guess? Braces, that's what.

The quest to achieve the perfect pearly whites continues and now, instead of the drastic action of veneers and teeth whitening, dental experts are offering alternative, far less invasive treatments to create a smile makeover to challenge any Hollywood star.

A relatively new procedure on the dentistry scene is the Inman Aligner which will come as music to the ears of so many of us who are vaguely disgruntled with teeth that may have gone slightly wayward, but who don't want to take extreme measures to adjust any minor crookedness or small gaps.

Gone are the days of youth when we endured the pain (and ridicule) of train tracks for two years. The Inman Aligner – a removable brace – is perfect for the pain-fearing, vain ones amongst us.

The fixture is a simple, thin piece of wire that sits across the front four to six teeth and promises to straighten them within three months – give or take.

Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, of the London Smile Clinic, describes the treatment perfectly when he calls it a 'mild fine-tuning' in cosmetic dentistry. 'The great thing about the Inman Aligner is it's opened up the field to a greater number of people who previously would rather not have anything done at all,' says Bradstock-Smith.

'In many ways cosmetic dentistry has been failing these patients for many years. But now we have an option for every single case. For those who have got really nice teeth, but have crowding in their mouth, this is available.'

How does it work?

The dentist will assess your teeth, take impressions and it takes around two weeks for the brace to be made to fit you. The aligner works by gently pushing on the teeth with a spring action. This differs to the more archaic process of train tracks which only put pressure on the teeth in the days after a dentist has tightened the brace.

Regular visits to the dentist are required throughout the treatment so that space can be made for the teeth to move into.

This is the part that may make the more squeamish amongst you...erm, squirm. In order to create space, a process known as 'stripping' is administered. In effect, a very thin strip of metal is rubbed between the teeth, filing them ever so slightly, so that the teeth have room to move into.

Whilst the process sounds alarming, it is utterly pain free. I would simply recommend closing your eyes and taking yourself off to an imaginary beach somewhere – the filing noise is the only thing that might stop you from managing to do so...

A little light relief

There is one element of 'stripping' that takes the edge off and which I'd never come across before: the rubber mouth guards used to get to your teeth. Known as 'optragates', they simply slip into the mouth to protect the lips and mouth area when the dentist starts filing away. It is the shape of the optragates that will give you the giggles – imagine suddenly turning into a cartoon character version of youself with oversized rubber lips and you should get some idea!

So how long does it really take?

Well, in all honesty, my treatment ran over – but only slightly – to three months each for both top and bottom front teeth. I had a schedule to keep to when I started last October, with the aim of having perfect pearly whites by the time May came round, and my wedding day.

The treatment wasn't entirely pain-free. I do remember the first two days wearing the brace left my teeth incredibly tender and a meal out with my husband, Anil, was something of a joke the day I picked up the appliance. Let's just say there would have been zero dinner conversation had I not left the damn thing firmly in the bottom of my handbag.

Phone calls at work were a little bottom-clenching too. Trying to explain why you've suddenly developed a minor lisp to a PR you talk to most weeks was mildly embarrassing. And of course, despite being 28 years old, the gentle teasing from an older brother who should know better was par for the course.

What happens when the treatment's complete?

Obviously although your teeth have moved into a straighter position, they do need a little help in staying put. So a further impression of your new teeth is taken and a second brace made, which must be worn at night for six weeks – oh, that's a passion thriller on honeymoon, oh yes – as well as the dentist fitting permanent small fixtures (a very thin piece of wire) behind the teeth to keep them in place and ensure they don't start to wander.

How much does it cost?

The Inman Aligner costs between £2,000 and £3,000.

Is it worth it?

Yes, without a doubt. My teeth are now noticeably straighter and I feel much more confident about my smile. On my wedding day I could grin away as much as I liked, safe in the knowledge the photographs would do me justice.

And where is it available?

There are a growing number of dentist practices beginning to offer the procedure throughout the UK. But the treatment birthplace is The London Smile Clinic where Tim Bradstock-Smith treated me and where you'll find a wonderfully relaxed, personable environment that will put at ease the most frightened of dentist visitors.

www.londonsmile.co.uk
Tel: 020 7255 2559
40-44 Clipstone Street
London
W1W 5DW

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE INMAN ALIGNER CLICK HERE

Words by Kate Matharu, Monday 22 December 2008

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