Best Invisible Braces to Get the Perfect Smile
Many patients today look for less intrusive corrective orthodontic options, like Invisalign, which are also called clear invisible braces. Although self-ligating braces (Ie. Damon braces) and ceramic braces are available in clear options, they differ from Invisalign by having a bracket bonded to each individual tooth. Here is a comparative analysis of Invisalign and the other types of braces patients can choose from, if appropriate, after receiving a free consultation from Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke at Burke & Redford Orthodontists.
- Braces move teeth by a combination of brackets (the square shaped attachment adhered to each tooth) and wires. These wires engage with the brackets to make teeth move. Clear aligner systems move teeth by a combination of attachments (white colored attachment points bonded to certain teeth) and transparent plastic trays. The plastic trays interact with the attachments on teeth to make them move. While very simple movement (moving a tooth a small way straight forward or backward) can be done without attachments, more typical movements (rotation, moving a tooth upwards or downwards, large front to back movements, etc.) cannot be achieved without attachments.
- Invisalign aligners can be removed by the patient at any time. Considering they are what is responsible for moving teeth, it is recommended they be kept on at all times except when eating or brushing teeth.
- Cleaning metal or clear invisible braces takes a bit of time for a new patient to get accustomed to. Yet, it only takes a week or two before patients quickly get the hang of taking care of their teeth correctly. Proper brushing and flossing are important while in treatment to keep braces, teeth, and gums healthy. Invisalign invisible braces need to be cleaned when removed.
- Also, avoiding food and sugary drinks while wearing aligners is important to avoid direct and prolonged bacterial buildup on the teeth which can lead to staining and cavities.
Invisalign can treat most conditions if properly treatment planned and then monitored by the right orthodontist. Invisalign is merely a tool. The results that are achieved in treatment are directly related to the skill level of the orthodontist and staff involved in treatment. Invisalign (or any clear aligner system) is not a commodity and the results achieved during treatment will be different between different doctors. It is important to choose your professional team wisely!
Can Invisible Braces Fix an Overbite?
The short answer is yes. Being one of the best invisible aligners, Invisalign will shift teeth into the desired position. It should be mentioned, however, that moderate to severe overbites might need more advanced treatment than Invisalign invisible braces alone. Bite corrector appliances (that are also made with clear materials to be very discrete) can be used in conjunction with Invisalign for bite correction. The doctors will determine if your particular type of bite concerns will work with Invisalign.
Patients typically change their aligners every 7-14 days, according to their specific treatment plan and how fast their teeth move. Everyone is different and treated as such! Patients come in for regular check-ups every 6-10 weeks. If Invisalign aligners are worn at least 22 hours each day, teeth usually move as expected. For the relatively common occurrence of teeth being stubborn and not moving as anticipated, the doctors have several techniques that can be used to insure a good result.
For overbite treatment, special Invisalign “Precision Cuts” (modifications to the plastic for hooking up elastics) enable orthodontists to shift bites as desired. Clear elastics can be used with the aligners for inconspicuous overbite correction.
What is Invisible Line?
While you may have heard friends talk about it, there is no such thing as “invisible line” in orthodontic treatment. It is just Invisalign misspelled. Invisalign is one of the best invisible braces system in the world. It uses the latest technology that orthodontists have trusted to treat hundreds of thousands of patients since it was launched in 1997.
Appearance is one of the criteria patients care about when seeking teeth straightening options. Whether they choose clear self-ligating braces (such as Damon), ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign, having an orthodontic option that is less noticeable is a very popular choice today.
How Long Do Invisible Braces Take
Treatment time depends on several factors including:
- The complexity of tooth movement. Mild cases are treated faster than severe cases.
- How fast or slow an individual’s teeth move. Just as every person has a different speed of metabolism, every person has a unique rate at how fast their teeth move.
- Level of compliance/cooperation. Those who follow the orthodontist’s directions closely (I.e. wearing aligners 22 hours per day; wearing elastics as instructed, etc.) finish treatment quicker than those that do not.
- The patient’s goals for treatment. Some patients may not elect for comprehensive treatment, but rather limited treatment to address a specific concern.
Be wary of people or companies who make claims about treatment time that seem too good to be true. Each individual and case is unique. Invisalign invisible braces can show great results in as little as a few months in the simplest case, but average orthodontic treatment times are still quite a bit longer than that.
Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke would like their patients to understand that although nearly every person could be considered an Invisalign candidate, there are pros and cons with each tooth straightening system. Our goal during the consultation process is for prospective patients to understand which is best for their lifestyle and desired result.
Booking a free consultation at Burke & Redford Orthodontists can help clear any doubts about the proper solution, as a thorough dental assessment and diagnosis is provided. No false expectations or promises are made, as treatment awareness and education are the first steps to a great result and a wonderful smile.
How Much are Invisible Braces?
The cost for Invisalign (often referred to as the best invisible braces), will depend upon the type of condition requiring treatment. The monetary investment for a very simple case will be substantially less than a complex case. You will receive a quote after an initial, free consultation. There is no obligation, so we recommend calling or filling out the free orthodontic consultation form to meet with one of the top orthodontists in Temecula and Lake Elsinore today.
If you need more details about Invisalign invisible braces or any other type of orthodontic appliance, contact the office of Burke & Redford Orthodontists at (951) 699-8011 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation with Dr. Redford or Dr. Burke today.