Are Invisible Braces Right for You?

Invisible braces can reshape your smile -- invisibly! Perhaps, as an adolescent, you may not have had the opportunity to get braces to straighten your teeth. But straight teeth not only make you look better, they also offer health benefits.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, straight, properly-aligned teeth and a properly-aligned jaw help prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease and injury. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to chronic headaches, as well as face and neck pains.

As an adult, you want to experience the psychological, social and professional benefits of a perfect smile, not to mention the health benefits, but you don’t want to walk around with a mouth full of metal. Good news: today’s braces aren’t all big, bold, and metallic!

Two types of invisible braces exist today: removable plastic aligners and “lingual braces,” which are made of metal but reside on the back of the teeth where no one can see them.

Invisible braces, or tooth aligners, re-align and straighten teeth quickly, comfortably, and without pain. Most patients wear the braces for about a year, but you may begin to see results after the first two weeks. Patients remove the braces to eat, drink and brush their teeth, but the more often you wear the aligners, the faster your smile improves.

Invisible braces correct common orthodontic problems including crooked teeth, overly crowded teeth, widely-spaced teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite.

Treatments can last anywhere from 3 to 18 months. During that time, your dentist supplies you with an invisible, custom-fit plastic tooth aligner, created using a digitized 3D impression of your teeth. Your dentist plans the gradual movement of your teeth over the course of your treatment. Every two weeks, you receive a new aligner that brings you closer to your ideal smile. Your dentist will check your progress periodically, usually every six weeks.

Patients with sensitivity to plastic or patients who still have baby teeth cannot use invisible braces. If you are one of the people that cannot use aligners, consider lingual braces. Lingual braces work like conventional metal braces, but look better and feel more comfortable.

Lingual braces require an adjustment period. You will get used to the feel of the braces and dentists recommend you eat softer foods for the first few days to help with the adjustment.

Whichever option you choose, a straighter, healthier smile awaits.