The Invisible Braces Race

Last Updated on November 30, 2019 by Gio Greenard

The field of orthodontics is full of excitement since new technology is constantly being developed that makes it faster and easier to get straighter teeth. While it is great to have options, you may also feel like your head is spinning every time you read about some new type of invisible braces. Naturally, you have a few things that you expect for your orthodontic treatment such as to feel comfortable throughout the process and get a better smile as fast as possible.

However, you may still be on the fence regarding which type of braces will best fit your needs. As you get ready to take off on your race to collect your prize of an improved smile, you can use this guide to understand exactly what is involved with using nearly undetectable orthodontic appliances.

What Are the Types of Invisible Braces?

Although you may hear people refer to braces as being clear or invisible, you need to know that there are several different types that fall into this category. The differences between the types come down to the types of materials that are used to make them as well as how they are placed in the mouth. Each type of invisible braces also has distinct benefits that help you and your orthodontist decide which one to use to reach your goals for straighter teeth.

Ceramic Braces

These invisible braces are the most like their traditional metal counterparts since they still use brackets and archwires. However, the braces are made from clearer materials that blend in with your teeth. Compared to traditional braces, these do tend to move your teeth into their positions more slowly, but the trade off is worth it to people who have higher aesthetic needs.

Lingual Braces

When you ask what are the types of invisible braces, you may be thinking more about clear trays. However, these are invisible due to them being placed on the lingual, or tongue side, of your teeth. With the brackets and wires on the backs of your teeth, they are less visible to other people. This type works best on the upper teeth since the angle helps to shield them from other people’s view, but they can be just as effective as other types of braces for shifting your teeth into their new places.

Invisalign

Clear plastic aligners are the latest revolution in the race to create the ideal invisible braces. Most likely, you’ve seen people show off how these trays are nearly undetectable once they are placed on your teeth. They also tend to move teeth faster than other types, but they may not always be an option for people with severe orthodontic needs.

The Invisalign system does not use metal or ceramic brackets and wires. Instead, your orthodontist uses measurements and impressions from their exam to create a 3-D rendering of your mouth. With this, a laboratory then creates a series of trays that you change out every one to two weeks. Each tray subtly draws your teeth into the correct positions until you achieve your optimum smile.

How Can Invisalign Straighten an Adult’s Teeth?

Which Is the Better out of Lingual Braces vs Invisalign?

Although ceramic braces are less visible, most people eventually reach the point where they want to know which is better out of lingual braces vs Invisalign. While we wish there was an easy answer, the truth is that orthodontic treatment is different for everyone. For instance, you may have severely misaligned teeth that require the strength provided by lingual braces to move them into better places.

Alternatively, you may just not be the type to keep up with the clear plastic aligners, and having the brackets bonded to your teeth allows for more consistent treatment. However, many people find that being able to remove their aligner trays allows them to comply better with their treatment plan since they can still do things they enjoy such as eat their favorite foods. For this reason, it is important to be honest with your orthodontist about your preferences and lifestyle habits.

What Are the Advantages of Invisible Braces?

The most obvious benefit of having invisible braces is that you can go about your normal life without people noticing that anything is different. Invisible braces are ideal for adults who may have aesthetic concerns such as needing to look their best for an upcoming wedding or for maintaining a professional appearance at work. People who perform in front of an audience such as public speakers also prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment quiet.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, you’ll love that having certain types of invisible braces allows you to continue to do the things that you enjoy. For instance, removable clear plastic aligners are designed for you to take them out if you want to play sports or eat something that wouldn’t be allowed with other types of orthodontic appliances.

Clear trays are also easier to clean, which means that you no longer have to fret over how to maintain your oral hygiene when you wear awkward brackets and wires. Since you remove the trays, you just brush and floss your teeth normally. Then, you may need to add a few simple steps to your hygiene routine such as brushing the aligner tray or soaking it before you put it back in your mouth.

Invisalign braces are also less likely to break since they are made from materials that are more durable to metal. If you do experience a problem, your orthodontist can replace the tray or have you moved to the new one if it is time so that you don’t have a lapse in your treatment.

How Do I Pick the Best Type for Me?

Now that you understand the answers to your questions about what are the advantages of invisible braces, you are ready to begin to narrow down your options. As you do, make sure to listen to the expertise of your orthodontist who understands how to weigh out your preferences with the specific requirements involved with correcting your smile.

Fortunately, most people are candidates for invisible braces, and you will find that using these types of orthodontic appliances give you the instant satisfaction of knowing that you can smile without a mouth full of visible metal.

We understand the importance of selecting the right type of braces to fit your lifestyle and orthodontic needs. Contact us today to find out about how our invisible braces treatment helps you hit the finish line with a beautiful smile.

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BEACH BRACES ORTHODONTICS
220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006

The Invisible Braces Race

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.