Invisible braces such as Invisalign are orthodontic device used to bridge the gaps between teeth and to straighten those are uneven. The difference between invisible braces and the traditional ones is that the former do not have metal and/or wires while the latter have it. Invisible braces are totally clear and are hard to recognize when used.
Reasons to Get Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
Invisible braces are preferred by people who want to straighten their teeth, but don’t want to have metal-wired braces. Invisible braces are barely noticeable and look more natural since they complement with the teeth’s surface.
Another reason why people get invisible braces is to treat different dental conditions, such as overbite, crowded or widely spaced teeth, and crooked teeth. The process of getting invisible braces is far more different than wired-metal braces. You can get used to the invisible braces compared to the traditional ones.
Note that Invisible braces are for adults and older teenagers, they are not commended when baby teeth is still present. Those children and younger teenagers faced with different dental problems will need to use wired-metal braces on the front of the teeth.
Types of Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
The following are the types of Invisible Braces:
- Ceramic or “clear” braces – This type of invisible braces are made from materials that are feebler and more fragile than metal brace. In terms of its size, ceramic brackets are bigger compared to metal brackets and needs only small ligatures or rubber bands to hold them to the arch wire. Since the ligatures are white or clear, they can stain the surface of the teeth. On the other hand, the staining can be removed since ligatures are changed regularly, which is every time you get an adjustment. Retying wires or elastics are not needed for self-ligating clips.
- Inside braces – this kind of invisible braces are connected to the back of the teeth to hide them. With the help of technology, iBraces use scanned images of the interior of the teeth to make special, computer-designed personalized brackets that are joined to the insides of the upper and often lower teeth. Unlike the clear and removable aligners, iBraces are fixed and not removable which avoids the delaying treatment. To speed up the treatment, elastics can be used with iBraces. Though there are elastics also available for clear aligners, they are difficult to use.
- Clear Aligners – The most popular clear aligners are Invisalign and ClearCorrect. These types of braces are chains of clear, removable aligners and are personalized to fit your teeth to offer a virtual irritation-free treatment with minor alteration discomfort. The greatest advantage of clear aligners is that they are hardly noticeable, insignificantly aggressive treatment, and resilient to darkening from wear. Clear aligners do not have brackets to wear off or wires to break and thrust. You can remove them if you are eating, drinking, and attending special events, which makes it for you to brush and floss.
Benefits of Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
Invisible braces are dental instruments used to correct teeth position without metal wires to it. Here are some benefits of using invisible braces.
- Invisalign braces are removable which makes brushing and flossing of the teeth easier. You can remove them easily when you need to brush and then put them back on.
- The price is worth it of its performance. Though invisible braces such as Invisalign are costly, you can see the changes that it can do to your teeth.
- There are fewer possibilities of tooth decay and other gum diseases when you are wearing invisalign braces.
- Invisalign braces are great option for those who do not like other to see their braces.
- They can straighten teeth and at the same time whiten them since they can be used as a tray for whitening teeth.
- You do not need to avoid certain foods, unlike the other types of braces.
- They help in correcting cross bites.
Disadvantages of Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
While there are advantages, there are also disadvantages of crowns such as:
- Invisible braces are costly compared to the traditional metal-wired braces.
- There are people who are disappointed with the results of wearing Invisalign.
- It cannot cater to all the kinds of dental issues such as malocclusion. Traditional braces are still options for badly crooked teeth.
Accessories required for Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
There are no accessories required for invisible braces. However, you can ask from your dentist’s if there are special tools that are designed only for invisible braces and ask if they are really needed.
Invisible Braces (Invisalign)Care
Taking care of your invisible braces is very important. If you do not take care of it, it would be quite expensive if you get another one. Here are some ways of caring for your invisible braces:
- Your teeth become sensitive for the first few days as your teeth starts to move. However, this is only temporary. In addition you can get ulcers in your mouth.
- Avoid cleaning your aligners with hot water. Hot water can damage your aligners; it is advisable to use toothbrush, toothpaste, and cool water for cleaning.
- Regularly change your aligners. Aligners are needed to be adjusted to keep it tight, therefore it is important to visit your dentist and change your aligners.
- Keep your old aligners in a safe place. There are certain cases when your dentist advises you to go back to the previous aligner.
- Take out your aligners for main meals.
- Refrain from drinking hot liquids when you are wearing your aligners.
- It is recommended to use a fluoride mouthwash every day.
Costs of Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
Invisalign or invisible braces can cost as much as up to $5000.00. However, the cost of the braces differ depending on how serious the dental problems such as the malocclusion. You can also check your dental insurance provider if they cover Invisalign cost.
Procedure
The first step in getting a procedure is the consultation with the orthodontist. Remember that only trained orthodontists are allowed to put invisible aligners. During the initial examination, your orthodontist will determine of you are qualified to get Invisalign. There are certain cases where traditional braces are recommended over invisible braces due to malocclusions. The second appointment is then scheduled.
Next, the orthodontist will take x-rays, photographs, and models of your teeth to make a treatment plan for straightening your teeth. The treatment plan and the fabrication of the invisible braces are created with the use of 3D computer imaging technology. The number of clear aligners fabricated is dependent on the specific circumstances.
Clear removable braces are needed to be replaced every two to three (2-3) weeks with the next set of aligners. You can also visit your orthodontist to ensure about the progress of your treatment. The orthodontic treatment with Invisalign usually takes 6 to 18 months to complete.
After you have completed wearing the aligners in the series and your teeth are straighten according to the treatment plan, you are done with Invisalign.