Invisible Braces

What Are Invisible Braces?

Traditionally, braces consist of metal brackets and wires. These are fixed onto the outer surfaces of teeth where they are immediately visible when you smile or talk.

Invisible braces are quite different. Although you may still be able to see these braces, they are far less immediately obvious, offering a much less obtrusive way to straighten your teeth.

What Are the Different Types of Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces available today include:

• Ceramic braces.
• Lingual braces.
• Clear aligners (Invisalign).

Ceramic Braces

These braces are fixed onto the outer surfaces of your teeth for the entire treatment. They have clear or tooth-colored brackets made from a ceramic material. Thin wires are attached to the brackets. These may be held in place by virtually invisible clear elastics. Alternatively, the brace brackets may be self-ligating, so elastics are not necessary.

Lingual Braces

These braces are also fixed but attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth, so they are far less visible. The brackets are made from metal and can be custom-made to be thinner and more comfortable. Wires are attached to the brackets.

Lingual braces can be a good option in certain circumstances, but they can be trickier to keep clean and tend to be more expensive than other options.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners are probably the least obtrusive option and are extremely popular. The clear plastic aligner trays are almost invisible and minimally disruptive to everyday life, as they are removable for meals and oral care.

The aligner trays are custom-made from BPA-free plastic and are specifically designed to be smooth and more comfortable to wear.

Benefits of Choosing Invisible Braces

Invisible braces can offer the following benefits.

• Treatment is far more discreet since the braces or aligners are almost invisible.
• Invisible braces can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including those that are more complex.
• These systems use the very latest technologies to achieve excellent results more comfortably.
• Clear aligners can offer greater comfort during treatment since they do not use brackets or wires that can irritate or cause sore spots on cheeks and lips.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Invisible Braces?

Usually, invisible braces are recommended for teens and adults who would otherwise feel very self-conscious about wearing more visible metal braces that are fitted onto the outer surfaces of teeth.

Anyone considering orthodontic treatment needs to have reasonable dental health. It is less suitable for people who may have issues with gum disease or tooth decay, as teeth need to be strong enough to be removed safely through the gum and bone tissue.

A commitment to good oral hygiene is essential during any orthodontic treatment, especially where fixed braces are used. Failure to keep braces or aligners clean can increase the risk of oral disease.

Finally, excellent compliance is essential when using removable aligners. These need to be left in almost all of the time, preferably only removed for meals and oral care.