Invisible Braces is a system of clear aligners that are used to straighten a patient’s teeth. Invisible aligners are nearly invisible to observers. The aligners are custom-made to match the patient’s teeth and they are removable, unlike a set of traditional wire braces. Invisible Braces can straighten or correct a number of issues with the teeth over time, eventually resulting in the perfect smile that you’ve been wanting.
Candidacy for Invisible Braces
Adults and teens can benefit from invisible aligners. Invisible Braces are not recommended for children who don’t have all of their molars yet. Senior citizens with more complex dental issues might not be good candidates for invisible braces, either. The best way to determine your candidacy for clear aligners is to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
In general, invisible braces can be used for the following dental issues:
- Underbite & overbite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
Fitting for Invisible Aligners
Once the dentist determines that you are a good candidate for invisible braces, exact measurements of your teeth will be made. This will include molds (impressions), photographs and X-rays. Those records are sent to a dental laboratory, which will use the records to create a 3D model of your teeth. You will be able to see computerized before-and-after images of what your teeth will look like at the end of the process. Once you give the final approval, your custom-made aligners will be created.
How Invisible Braces Straightens Teeth
Invisible braces straighten a patient’s teeth in stages. The first set of aligners is worn for about a three-week period. Your dentist will then check the results and provide you with the next set of aligners. As the aligners shift your teeth into their new locations, the dentist will monitor the progress and make adjustments if necessary. The results will be noticeable after each set of aligners is worn.
Invisible Braces can take up to one to two years to fully straighten a patient’s teeth into the desired locations. The length of treatment time will depend on the amount of misalignment and each patient’s specific condition. There are three different invisible braces treatment options available for adjusting someone’s teeth:
- Minor Cases: Minor cases require 12 steps of treatment, delivered in three stages. Patients will be fitted with approximately six sets of aligners for this option.
- Moderate Cases: Moderate cases require 32 steps of treatment, delivered in eight stages. This option requires approximately 12 sets of aligners.
- Unlimited: The Unlimited treatment option obviously requires more treatment steps and stages, and an undetermined number of aligner sets. This is for correcting more severe misalignments. The total process will still only require one to two years for treatment.
Advantages of Invisible Braces
Invisible aligners are removable, which is one of the main advantages of them. Unlike a fixed set of metal braces, which are attached directly to the teeth, your invisible aligners can be taken out when for meals or when you brush and floss your teeth. Braces stay on until your teeth are corrected.
Another big advantage of invisible braces is that they are very thin and see-through. Most people won’t even know that you are wearing the aligners because they are nearly invisible.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Some cases may be too difficult for invisible braces to handle. In those situations, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist or may recommend an alternative treatment option. The best way to determine your candidacy for invisible braces is to call our office or schedule an appointment online.
