Use a bend deformer, but apply the values a little at a time on the curvature.

The latttice is a good way of doing it too, you do get less lattice points to pull overall.

Generally the difference between the two will be the sides of the model - with the bend deformer the sides of the model will follow in an arc manner creating an angle but with the lattice the sides will stay parallel until you rotate them manually.

As with everything in Maya there is no right and wrong way to do stuff, its just a matter of application and preference.

Both the lattice and bend deformers can be used in Animation, but obviously in a different manner from each other

hope that helps

Jay