Types of Invisible Braces: Which Is the Best For You?

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There is a popular saying that “A smile is worth a thousand words.” Yet, for many people, there are no words to describe how they feel about their imperfect teeth.

Things have changed in the world of braces. Invisible braces have made teeth straightening a reality for many people. The lower cost and direct-to-customer option is something to smile about.

Keep reading to find out more about the types of invisible braces that would work best for you.

What Problems Can Invisible Braces Fix?

Invisible braces are removable, transparent, thermoformed appliances that straighten teeth. With aligners, there are no metal or wire adjustments or lengthy visits to the orthodontist.

You no longer have to be self-conscious about your teeth. Invisible braces can take care of the problem. Some of the dental issues braces can fix include:

  • Crowded or rotated teeth
  • Overbite
  • Crossbite
  • Gaps or spaces between the teeth
  • Underbite

Types of Invisible Braces

It is important to understand the different types of invisible braces available before you make your decision. Let’s take a look at what is available today.

Ceramic Braces

Made of ceramic material that is a bit more brittle than metal braces. They are larger than metal brackets but are clear or white in colour to match your teeth. The result is much less noticeable braces than shiny silver braces in your mouth.

Inside Braces

These braces are placed in the back of your mouth, which hides them from view. Also known as lingual braces, they work best for people who do not want anything on the front of their teeth.

Clear Aligners

These braces are custom-made to fit your teeth and are removable. They are almost completely invisible, non-invasive, and very comfortable to wear. You can clean these easily and carry them in a portable case.

Orthodontist vs. Direct to Home

Invisible braces became popular in the ’90s when Invisalign came onto the scene. Many adults who had avoided braces as a kid felt it was possible to correct their teeth without the stigma of metal braces.

The only option at the time for invisible braces was to schedule regular visits with your orthodontist for the duration of the treatment, often 12-18 months.

Read below to compare the process of invisible aligners.

Orthodontist

Impressions- You will visit your doctor’s office, where your doctor will use a 3D scanner to take impressions of your teeth. The doctor will determine if you are a good fit for invisible braces based on the results.

Wear Aligners- You will wear your aligners almost always and replace them on scheduled doctor appointments.

Doctor Appointments/Check-Ins- You will meet with your doctor on a regular basis. Typically you will leave with a new set of aligners or you may just have a check-up.

Direct-to-Home

Impressions- You will use an impression tray that is delivered to your home. It’s easy to take your own impressions of your teeth using a putty tray. Once completed, you will send it back to the company for analysis.

Buy Aligners- Once you are approved to be a good candidate for aligners, you will be sent a treatment plan. After you review, you typically buy all the aligners at once. There will be detailed instructions as to when you change the aligners. Some companies will send you text message reminders.

Treatment Plan- You may have virtual check-ups or you can simply contact your aligner company at any time if you’re having problems with your plan. There will not be any in-person visits.

How Do Invisible Braces Fix Teeth?

Invisible braces both work in basically the same way whether you go to the orthodontist or have them delivered to your home.

Aligners work by gradually shifting the teeth into the ideal position. You will wear your aligners for 10 days at a time during which your teeth will make a small shift. Depending on your customized plan, you may have to wear your aligners up to 22 hours a day. Typically the length of time varies but 4-6 months is the average.

Aligners use a push force to rotate your teeth, unlike metal braces that use a pull force to gradually shift the teeth. Initially, there will be some mild soreness as your teeth begin to correct themselves.

Reasons to Select Invisible Braces

There are many reasons why more adults are choosing invisible braces from direct-to-home companies instead of traditional orthodontic visits. Here are a few to browse:

Convenience

Simply put, many people are busy. Their lives are fully booked and taking time off from work to visit a doctor for regularly scheduled visits is not appealing.

Direct-to-home invisible braces allow you to insert your aligners in the privacy of your own home. You can put the aligners in before you leave for work in the morning and not have to take time off from work or family.

Cost

Invisible braces cost significantly less than aligners fitted at your doctor’s office, up to 60% less than orthodontic visits. This is possible because you do not have to pay for frequent doctor visits, making it much more affordable for the average adult.

Aesthetics

One of the biggest drawbacks to metal braces is the way they look. Childhood taunts of ‘brace face” or “metal mouth” still can make an adult cringe. Having invisible braces removes the stigma associated with traditional braces and you hardly know they are there.

Removeable

Invisible braces must be removed before you eat or drink so you are limited to the foods you can eat. Oral hygiene is easier without worrying about getting stuff stuck in your teeth. Tip: Make sure you have your carrying case with you so you will not lose your braces.

Materials

Unlike metal braces, invisible aligners are made of a smooth plastic material and will not snag or hurt the inside of your mouth. Less pain and worry about hurting your mouth.

Time

The duration is much less with invisible braces. Traditional metal braces are worn for up to 3 years to correct the problem. Invisible braces are typically worn 4-6 months depending on the severity.

Sleep

Some direct-to-home invisible braces companies offer overnight only clear aligners. You can straighten your teeth while you sleep.

Comfort

Invisible braces are very comfortable to wear. After an initial day or two of soreness, your aligner will slip on with ease.

Who is a Candidate for Invisible Braces?

Not everyone can get invisible braces sent straight to their house. Some people have serious problems with their teeth that may need more work or even surgery.

If this plan is right for you, your first evaluation with 3-D scans or teeth-molding kits will be able to tell you. If you don't qualify for at-home braces, you should see an orthodontist for more treatment.

Direct-to-Home invisible braces work best for people who have mild to moderate crowding or spacing of their teeth. Also, before starting treatment, ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

You have to make sure you wear the aligners for the right amount of time every day. Since you won't be seeing a doctor, you'll have to be willing to stick to the treatment plan if you want beautiful teeth.

Invisible Braces Delivery

Your aligners will arrive by mail with each aligner packaged and marked for each step of your treatment. For example, if your plan requires a 4-6 month treatment you will receive 24 plastic aligners.

If by chance you lose your aligner, your invisible braces provider should be able to quickly replace your aligner so that you do not have a gap in your treatment plan.

If something doesn’t feel right after a few days of wearing your aligners, set up a virtual appointment with your direct-to-home invisible braces provider. Ensure your aligner company has a skilled customer service staff to help you with any questions and concerns.

Let’s Get Things Straight

Regardless of what type of invisible braces you choose, ensure you have researched and feel confident about your chosen dental provider. There are many reviews and testimonials online so take a look before you book.

Remember that you will need to wear a retainer aligner nightly once your plan has been completed and your teeth are straightened. This helps prevent shifting and keeps your teeth beautiful and healthy.

FAQs

What Does Wearing Invisible Braces Involve?

Creating a 3D picture of your mouth and jaw is the initial stage in Invisalign therapy. Your orthodontist will then be able to construct a specific treatment plan and a sequence of aligners that patients will wear throughout the duration of their treatment. Each Invisalign case is unique, but patients typically receive a fresh set of aligners every one to two weeks. The aligners exert modest pressure on the teeth, allowing them to shift into position gradually. So straightforward! Clear Invisalign aligners are so comfortable to wear that it is easy to forget you're even wearing them. Given that they are created from a transparent thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, your students and coworkers cannot detect that you are wearing clear aligners.

What are the advantages of Invisible braces treatment?

Here is a summary of the principal advantages of Invisible braces:

  • Almost Invisible
  • More comfortable than other forms of orthodontic appliances.
  • Removable for eating and brushing
  • Fewer dentist appointments are required compared to other forms of braces.
  • Effective in resolving space, crowding, and bite difficulties
  • Affordable (comparable cost to metal braces)

The fact that invisible aligners can be removed for eating and brushing deserves further explanation. Unlike metal and other types of braces, Invisalign does not restrict the types of meals patients can consume. Because they are detachable, routine brushing and flossing can be performed.

What are the disadvantages of Invisible treatment?

There are relatively few disadvantages when using Invisible clear aligners to straighten teeth. Nevertheless, they may not be suitable for all individuals. The aligners may be less successful than other forms of braces for extremely complex tooth problems. People prone to misplacing items or concerned about forgetting to wear the aligners for the required amount of time each day may not find them the best option.