Want a straighter, more beautiful smile, but reluctant to wear traditional metal braces? What if you could perfect your teeth with an invisible treatment option, so you could continue smiling carefree while your braces do their job?
Braces have long been used to straighten teeth – and while the key function of braces has remained the same over the past few decades, braces technology has radically evolved to be just as effective, but virtually invisible. Imagine being so thrilled with the progress of your treatment that you want to flash your pearly whites are your friends, family and colleagues while still wearing your braces.
That’s the beauty of Invisalign, an invisible braces system that gently and gradually shift teeth into their correct alignment, while remaining your own little secret.
Traditional vs. Invisible Braces
While traditional braces have always been a popular option among people looking to achieve a straighter smile, and increasing number of patients are talking to their orthodontists about invisible braces alternatives, which have been developed to do a similar job as to metal dental braces while remaining virtually invisible during treatment.
The key differences between traditional and invisible braces are as follows:
- Metal braces are obvious, and can make wearers feel self-conscious during the duration of their treatment. Invisible braces are clear and undetectable to others, eliminating any feelings of embarrassment.
- Metal braces are permanently bonded to teeth, which can cause tooth etching and increase the chance of tooth decay occurring if extra care is not taken during treatment. Invisible braces can be take out while eating, brushing and flossing to make maintaining good dental health easier and more effective, and reduce the risk of decay.
- The brackets and wires of metal braces can be uncomfortable and cause mouth ulcers. Invisible braces are made of smooth, clear plastic that does not rub against the delicate flesh inside the mouth, making them more comfortable to wear.
Find out more about the differences between Invisalign and metal braces here.
Invisible Braces Technology
Invisalign braces are an innovative teeth straightening treatment option – removing the need for traditional braces which and permanently bonded to the tooth surface, and replacing these with a series of custom-made clear aligner trays (of course, this is dependent on the severity of your condition).
These aligner trays gently and gradually shift the teeth into their correct positions over the duration of treatment – during which time patients can smile with confidence as their perfectly straight and radiant new smile takes shape. This eliminates any feelings of self-consciousness often associated with traditional metal braces.
The Invisalign Braces Process
Interested in Invisalign braces? During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will:
- Assess your current tooth health and alignment
- Discuss the results you are likely to achieve
- Determine if Invisalign is right for you.
While invisible braces are not right for everyone, Invisalign can be used to correct tooth crowding, spacing and gap issues, overbites and underbites for many patients.
If your orthodontist finds that you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign invisible braces, and that Invisalign will achieve the results that you desire, they will talk you through the treatment process and then take moulds of your current bite. These will be used to create your first invisible braces clear aligner trays.
These clear aligner trays are designed to gently shift your teeth into their correct positions, and will be ready to be fitted after a couple of weeks. They will begin working and gradually moving your teeth into their right alignment straight away, and you’ll return to your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for the duration of your treatment to be fitted with new custom aligner trays.
Your treatment may last anywhere from 6 months to two years, depending on your unique needs, and once your Invisalign braces have straightened your smile, your orthodontist may require you to wear a retainer for some time to ensure your teeth remain in their correct positions.
How do you if Invisalign is Right for You
Many people are good candidates for Invisalign invisible braces, but only your orthodontist can determine if Invisalign is right for you. Book an initial consultation us now to discuss your needs and to have your smile assessed.