Many people are embarrassed or ashamed of having crooked teeth and become self-conscious as a result. For some, having a less-than-perfect smile can lower their confidence and reduce their desire to socialise.
Despite helping to straighten teeth, metal braces can make that self-esteem dip further. For children and teens, noticeable braces can be a point of bullying, while for adults, it’s not an appealing orthodontic treatment because it’s so visible.
Luckily, advancements in dental technology mean that subtle alternatives are now available to straighten your teeth. Ceramic braces that go on the back of your teeth and even clear, invisible braces are options. Invisible braces are most appealing to teens and adults but, do invisible braces work?
What Are Invisible Braces?
If you don’t want traditional braces, you may be considering invisible ones like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. These braces are a series of clear aligners that help to move your teeth into place over a period of six months to two years. As you move through the treatment plan, you’ll have new aligners every two weeks, targeting a different tooth or area of your teeth.
How Do Invisible Braces Work?
Invisible braces, like traditional braces, gently move your teeth into a new position over time. With metal, the adjustments are made by tightening or changing the wires on your teeth. A clear aligner, however, uses different trays to encourage the teeth to move into alignment. Each tray applies pressure differently to move your teeth.
While you’re having your consultations for invisible braces, the dentist can show you a digital preview of how your smile will look after Invisalign or ClearCorrect aligners. Rather than returning to the dentist every two weeks for an adjustment to your wires as with traditional braces, you’ll just swap out your aligners for a new pair biweekly.
Traditionally, braces take about two years to completely straighten your smile. Invisible braces may take roughly the same time to achieve results but can work quicker for minor cosmetic changes.
What Should You Expect With Clear Braces?
Understanding what to expect can help you successfully navigate the treatment plan. When you decide clear braces are the right option, your dentist will take digital 3D images of your mouth, which are used to create elastic thermoplastic trays custom fit to your teeth.
Once the trays are ready, you will go to your dentist for pickup. While there, the dentist will insert your first tray to ensure the clear aligners fit correctly. They will then go over the treatment program with you.
You should return to the dentist after a few weeks. At this point, the dentist will check how the clear aligners fit and the progress so far. Over the treatment period, you will return for these checkups periodically so your dentist can monitor the effectiveness of the aligners.
In the first weeks of treatment, the invisible braces will feel snug and may be difficult to remove. The aligners won’t be as uncomfortable as you get used to them and may loosen slightly.
What are the Benefits of Using Clear Aligners?
When choosing between traditional and invisible braces, it is best to look at the positive aspects of each. One of the main reasons people choose clear aligners is that they are less noticeable than metal braces. While they may not be completely hidden, most people won’t know you’re wearing them.
Clear aligners are more comfortable than metal brackets despite any discomfort you may feel at the beginning of each tray. The plastic does not cut into the inside of your mouth. It also causes less irritation to your tongue or inside of your cheeks.
One of the more appealing aspects of invisible braces is they are removable. You need to wear your tray at least 22 hours a day to get the best results. However, you can remove them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. This means you don’t have to worry about getting food trapped in your braces and struggle to clean them properly.
Clear aligners are easy to maintain as well. Your dentist will give you instructions on how to keep the aligners clean. Typically you will clean them each night when you brush your teeth. Be sure to follow your dentist’s directions carefully to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Advanced Dental Care Can Help
Do invisible braces work? Yes, they are an effective way to straighten your teeth. You can get a straighter smile without having a mouth full of metal. They are easy to maintain and can cause less discomfort when compared to traditional options. Contact the team at Advanced Dental Care on (02) 6188 7103 today to book a consultation.
