Invisible Braces

Enduring cleveland orthodontics treatment is not only a great way to achieve a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing smile, it is also a great way to ensure the health of your teeth. Crooked and crowded teeth are very hard to clean and can easily build up plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay and periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause gum recession which can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Technological advances in orthodontic treatment have created options and made braces more comfortable. One search option is invisible braces!

Traditional braces are made out of metal and use a wire and bracket system to shift and align teeth. Patience of any age can receive orthodontic treatment but patients who are perhaps in the workforce do not want to deal with metal brackets. Invisible braces are a great way to receive traditional treatment without having to use unsightly metal brackets and wires.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for clear braces. Your dentist will be able to determine if your individual case will be successful with clear braces or if you need to rethink your path of treatment.

What are the types of invisible braces?

There are actually a few different choices to consider when you are looking into clear braces. They include, clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Below, we will review each type.

1. Ceramic braces: These still use a system of brackets and wires but they are fabricated using a clear ceramic material and a white arch wire. This enables them to blend into your smile and are stain resistant. Since the composite material that is used to fabricate the brackets is not as strong as metal, not all patients are a candidate for this type of orthodontia. There are also  bracket and wire systems that are self-ligating and do not require the use of bands to hold the arch wire in place. In any case, the clear bracket is cemented onto the tooth surface and therefore cannot be removed until treatment has been completed. With any bracket and wire system, there is a risk of irritation caused from the friction of the bracket against the inside of your cheek. Orthodontic wax can be placed over the bracket to reduce irritation.
2. Lingual braces: These are sometimes called “inside braces” since they are placed on the back of your teeth and are therefore not visible at all when you smile. lingual braces also use brackets and wires and are usually a bit more costly than traditional braces that sit on the outside of your teeth.
3. Clear Aligner Therapy: Invisalign and ClearCorrect are probably the most commonly known types of clear aligners. Clear aligners use impressions taken by your dentist to create a system of trees that will gradually shift your teeth into better position. Clear aligners do not use brackets of any sort though you may have what is called an “attachment” placed on one or more teeth to help turn, pull down, or pull up a tooth. As with bracket and wire systems, you are likely to experience some soreness whenever you change your trays, due to the tighter fit. Clear aligners must be worn a minimum of 20 hours per day and should be removed only for eating and drinking anything other than water. They may also be removed for special occasions. Since they are removable, it is significantly easier to clean the trays and your teeth!

How long does treatment take?

Your length of treatment will be determined by the extent of movement that needs to be accomplished. Braces are typically worn between 18 and 24 months, longer if necessary. Metal braces and wires are the strongest material and you tend to work best but your treatment time might be longer. Ceramic braces are not as strong as metal and could take even longer to achieve the desired results.

Same goes for clear aligner therapy, the more extensive movement to be achieved, the longer your case will take to be completed. Clear aligner treatment usually ranges between six and 15 months. If you are not compliant with treatment and do not wear your trays the required to 20 hours a day, or if you lose a tray, your treatment will take longer. Clear aligners therapy is not for everyone and if you cannot commit to wearing the trays as needed, this may not be the treatment for you.

How much do invisible braces cost?

Since the length of treatment varies case by case, the overall cost will also vary. Traditional metal braces cost between $2500 and $7000, invisible braces being no different. If you have dental insurance, make sure that you have orthodontic coverage and that you see an in network provider to help lower costs. Some officers offer in-house financing or even offer the use of a third-party financing company. This can greatly reduce the immediate out-of-pocket cost of treatment.

More on Braces : Types of Braces