If you’ve just found out that braces are in your future, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for invisible braces instead of traditional metal braces.
The first thing you need to know about invisible braces is that there are actually three different kinds of braces that fall under the “invisible” umbrella.
Three Types of Invisible Braces
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces, sometimes called ‘clear’ braces, are a lot like metal braces. They work the same way, but instead of silver wire and metal, the brackets are the same color as the teeth, so they blend in more and are not as readily noticeable as metal braces.
Ceramic braces stay in place and cannot be removed for the duration of the treatment period.. Ceramic braces are also typically a bit pricier than metal braces.
Inside Braces: Inside braces are invisible because they’re attached to the back of the teeth and actually can’t be seen. A computer-scanned im
age of your teeth is used to custom-create the brackets specifically for your mouth, so the cost of this type of orthodontic treatment is usually more expensive than conventional metal braces.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are also customized to perfectly fit your mouth. A 3-D impression of your teeth is made and sent to a lab where your personalized sets of aligners will be created just for you.
Your orthodontist will monitor and evaluate your progress and give you a new set at specific intervals throughout the treatment process.
These aligners are removable and there is virtually no irritation. They usually require a minimal amount of adjustment and there is no risk of broken wires or brackets that come off. Clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day and are only removed when you’re eating, drinking, brushing or flossing.
Each set is designed to gradually, but continually, realign your teeth to create the beautiful smile you want and deserve.
Who Should Not Wear Invisible Braces?
Since clear aligners are removable, there is a risk of losing them, so a certain level of responsibility is needed. Because they must be worn 22 hours a day, a certain level of commitment is required.
Clear aligners were primarily designed with older teenagers and adults in mind. Most orthodontists will not recommend them if there are still baby teeth remaining in the mouth.
There are some misalignments and bite issues too severe or complex for clear aligners. These situations typically require traditional orthodontic treatment methods.
In most cases, clear aligners do well in adjusting overbites and teeth that are crowded, widely spaced or crooked.
The success of the outcome is based on strict, rigid compliance of the requirements; 22 hours of wearing time every day, removing them multiple times each day, keeping them clean and not losing or forgetting them.
In the end, the responsibility for determining if clear aligners are right for you is in the hands of your orthodontist. Even if he says yes, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to put forth the dedication required to give you the results you want.
