The Invisible Braces Race

The Invisible Braces Race

Invisible braces are trendy dental appliances that are suitable for teens and adults. They seem to be more aesthetically appealing for moms between the ages of 20-45, who wish to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing. No wonder so many people are racing to get invisible braces!

Now, this doesn’t mean that metal braces or ceramic braces have lost their appeal. These latter types of dental appliances are suitable based on individual oral and aesthetic needs and, in fact, some people still prefer their wires, brackets, and elastic bands.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces can be either Invisalign or Lingual Braces and are used to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth and correct bite problems. They are fitted by an orthodontist who specializes in installing these orthodontic treatments.

Invisible braces can be comfortably worn and are just as effective as metal or ceramic braces. They are extremely appealing because they are can be worn without anyone really knowing you are wearing them. So, for example, if your job involves public speaking or dealing with people, you can deliver your speech while maintaining a confident smile.

‘Barely there’ braces such as Invisalign and lingual braces are also great if you’re getting married and want your photos to be picture perfect. No one will ever know you were wearing braces at your wedding—unless you tell them.

However, before proceeding to get these attractive braces treatments, clients often want to know what is Invisalign, what is lingual braces, and what are the benefits of having invisible braces. Naturally, the answers can help them determine if invisible braces are right for them.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth. Its invisibility is what makes it uniquely appealing. These braces come in the form of invisible aligners that look like a plastic tray made from your teeth’s impressions.

The corrective process involves switching aligners every few weeks as your teeth are gradually repositioned. Invisalign aligners are usually worn for shorter periods than metal braces. Your orthodontist will let you know how long you will need to wear them.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are a more modern type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and correct teeth height, bite problems, or spaces between teeth. These braces also have a unique ability to rotate the tooth.

They are called “lingual” because the wires and brackets are placed up against the edge of the tongue. Unlike metal braces, these technologically advanced braces are worn behind the teeth making them virtually invisible when you speak, eat, or smile.

Lingual braces are a good choice for those who play wind instruments or sports where there will be some sort of direct contact with the appliances.

What Are the Benefits of Having Invisible Braces?

In addition to the privacy offered by invisible braces, you can enjoy these other benefits:

• Light to moderate misalignment or bite issues, e.g., overbite, can be effectively corrected
• They are suitable for fixing spaces or ‘gaps’ or crowded teeth• They are attractive alternatives to metal braces or ceramic braces made of wires, brackets, and elastics
• They make good choices for adults and teens who are self-conscious about wearing visible metal or ceramic braces
• Invisalign can conveniently be removed, cleaned, and replaced
• With Invisalign, you will be able to eat whatever you want without worrying about food getting stuck
• Invisible and lingual braces can be customized to suit your dental needs
• These braces are typically worn for shorter periods than other types of braces
• Lingual braces are not easily damaged, e.g., during sport
• Any discoloration from wearing lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth

Installing Invisible Braces

Your orthodontist will install customized invisible braces during a consultation.

Invisalign: The aligners are made from molds or impressions of your teeth that were taken during a previous visit to your orthodontist. The number of aligners you will need throughout the treatment depends on your treatment plan.

An aligner is usually switched every two weeks. You may be given enough aligners to last about 6 to 8 weeks before following up with your specialist. Adjustment to your teeth or braces may be done during these visits. Additional aligners may be made from new impressions to refine your results.

After treatment is complete, you will need to wear removable retainers. They look similar to the invisible aligners, but only need to be worn periodically and preferably at night. A fixed retainer will be placed behind the teeth to hold them permanently in place.

Lingual Braces: Lingual braces or ‘inside braces’ are mounted behind the teeth using wires and brackets similar to those used for metal and ceramic braces. The difference is they cannot be seen when you smile or laugh, and they are made using impressions of your teeth.

Using an applicator tray to guide installation, your orthodontist will fix the customized brackets to the teeth being treated. Cement or a bonding agent is used to keep them in place. Once the cement sets, the applicator tray will be removed leaving the brackets. A pre-arched wire is then used to connect the brackets and hold the teeth firmly in place.

Are Invisible Braces Right for Me?

Whether it be invisible Invisalign or virtually invisible, behind-the-teeth lingual braces, these orthodontic treatments are suitable for adults and teens. Further, if you think wearing braces should be a private matter while you correct issues with your teeth or bite, then these braces may be aesthetically right for you. Your orthodontist will make the final determination after an oral examination and diagnosis.

Finding an Invisible Braces Specialist

Not all orthodontists specialize in braces treatment using Invisalign or lingual braces. You will need a specialist who is board certified and has the requisite 2-3 years of advanced education and training.

This should be backed by proven skills, techniques, and experience in installing these invisible types of braces. The specialist should have expertise in using CAD/CAM and 3D technology to take molds or impressions of your teeth. Customized aligners for Invisalign or brackets for lingual braces are constructed using those impressions.

With the right qualifications, tools, and skills the orthodontist can set up a treatment plan that is ideal for you. A good orthodontist is also professional and passionate about helping clients achieve their best-looking teeth and smile. Best of all, you will get to improve your smile secretly!

Contact Us Today to Learn More

Here at Gluck Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages who dream of achieving a straighter and more beautiful smile. Drs. Joel and Jonathan Gluck, a father-son team, specialize in offering each patient what they like to call “The Gluck Experience.” This customized, individual approach to orthodontic care results in a straight, white, healthy smile you can’t resist showing off. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and avoid fear.

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Gluck Orthodontics 
2002 Richard Jones Road
Suite A-200
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: 615 269 5903

The Invisible Braces Race

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.