Once upon a time, orthodontics meant metal braces and little else. While traditional braces remain a popular solution among individuals seeking straighter smiles, invisible braces, utilizing clear aligners to move teeth into alignment gradually, have emerged as a discreet and comfortable alternative to a straighter smile.
Today we are taking a look at how invisible braces have transformed orthodontics. We will discuss what invisible braces are, their benefits, the treatment process, the dental issues that invisible braces can help to correct, and how invisible braces compare to other orthodontic solutions as they boost patients' self-confidence and guide them on their journey toward a perfect smile!
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry whose aim is to prevent and treat irregularities in the alignment of an individual's teeth and bite. Orthodontics' primary goal is to improve a person's oral health and appearance by correcting issues like gaps between teeth, misalignment, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
There is a wide range of different orthodontic treatments. Each of these strives to correct certain issues and meet particular needs. In recent years, various advancements and trends in orthodontics have transformed treatment plans and allowed patients to reimagine how to achieve a perfectly aligned smile. Some of the most prominent among these include:
- Clear aligner treatments (like Invisalign®) use a series of sets of custom-made, clear, removable mouthpiece-like devices to discreetly and gradually shift teeth into the desired position.
- Ceramic braces, similar to traditional metal braces, utilize clear or tooth-colored brackets.
- Lingual braces, which also function like traditional braces, only have brackets attached to the back of the teeth to make them virtually invisible.
- Accelerated orthodontics is an emerging "field within the field," in which special methods like small holes in bones (or micro-osteoperforations) and high-frequency vibration help move teeth into alignment.
What Are Invisible Braces and How Do They Work?
Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses a series of sets of custom-made, transparent mouthpiece-like plastic trays to discreetly and gradually move teeth into alignment. Invisible braces have emerged as an aesthetically preferable alternative to traditional metal braces in recent years.
The treatment process for invisible braces begins with the patient undergoing a comprehensive dental examination, including 3D scanning, to create a complete and accurate model of their mouth, from which a digital treatment plan is derived. Once this plan is in place, a series of sets of clear aligners are custom-made for the patients.
The clear aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day, with removal only for brushing, flossing, cleaning the aligners, eating, and drinking anything other than water. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. As a patient progresses through the treatment plan (typically 12-18 months, though this can vary due to individual circumstances), their teeth gradually align.
How Do Invisible Braces Differ from Traditional Braces?
Invisible braces differ in several key ways from traditional orthodontic options. For instance, clear aligners are virtually invisible, unlike metal braces, making them a much more aesthetically pleasing choice.
Also, as clear aligners are also removable, they allow a patient to move through the treatment without restrictions on the types of foods that they can eat. Additionally, the fact that the clear aligners are removable makes brushing and flossing, and caring for the aligners themselves easy and convenient.
Another way that clear aligners set themselves apart is through comfort and convenience. Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and have none of the discomfort associated with metal brackets and wires. Furthermore, invisible braces require less of a time commitment on the part of the patient, as they require fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments.
What Type of Issues Can Invisible Braces Fix?
Invisible braces can address a wide range of dental issues. They're effective in treating mild to moderate cases of:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Certain forms of malocclusion, including open bite and deep bite
It is, however, important to note that more severe orthodontic issues may still require traditional braces or other specialized treatments. Thus, each patient must consult with an orthodontist and undergo a personalized evaluation to determine whether invisible braces are suitable for their specific needs and goals.
Invisible Braces in Tampa, FL
If you are looking for a dentist in the Tampa area with experience and expertise with invisible braces as an orthodontic solution, contact dentist Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue and the friendly and helpful team at North Tampa Dentistry to schedule a consultation!