Once,metal braces were the only choice available; now, they are no longer the go-to method for straightening teeth. There are several less-noticeable methods that have grown in popularity. There is a variety of “invisible braces” to choose from,depending on the severity of the problem.
Braces vs Aligners
There are two main applications for straightening teeth: braces and aligners. The former has to do with moving the teeth using bands with wires and brackets,which are fixed on the teeth. Aligners are removable, clear plastic oral appliances that fit over the teeth and, like traditional braces, move the teeth into the desired position.
Aligners are virtually invisible, in that they are made from clear plastic, and, unless one is looking closely at your teeth, are usually unnoticeable. Traditional braces have gone through some changes over the years. Not all braces have strictly metal or metal-looking components.
When there is minor movement that needs to be made – usually more for cosmetic purposes of the anterior teeth, aligners work well. When more extensive alignment is called for, traditional braces are usually the most effective. In particular, they are used when movement is also required in the posterior teeth to produce proper occlusion of upper and lower teeth.
Types of Invisible Braces
You may hear people speak of invisible braces when they are actually talking about aligners; however there are braces which are fixed to the teeth and are much less noticeable than traditional full metal braces. There are a variety of both. Clear aligner systems include:
- Invisalign®
- InvisalignTeen®
- ClearCorrect®
- Inman Aligner® braces
Types of traditional braces include metal braces, using metal wires and brackets; ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored brackets, which are less noticeable; and lingual braces, which are also less noticeable. Lingual braces are very much like traditional braces with the exception that brackets and wires are placed on the tongue side, or lingual side, of the teeth, as opposed to the visible side. These types of braces tend to be more expensive, difficult to clean and are not used in severe cases of misalignment.
Choosing the Right Invisible Braces
There are many factors that need to be considered when choosinginvisible braces to correct misaligned teeth. A thorough dental exam is required and, once the dentist reviews the results of the exam, recommendations are made regarding the most efficient process for straightening the teeth.
If you have misaligned teeth and are considering having them straightened with invisible braces, give us a call at Pearl Dentistry. We have the right system to get your teeth straightened, so you can have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Make your appointment with us today.