Today we will be sharing some information on invisible aligners. With the increase in adult orthodontic patients, the standards and expectations of treatment have changed, pushing clients towards orthodontic solutions which are more subtle and convenient and which fit into a modern, fast-paced, professional lifestyle. Invisible braces Clapham or clear braces are one of these covert orthodontic solutions that is becoming ever more popular.
Invisible Aligners – Covert Orthodontics
What are invisible braces?
Invisible braces are low impact or subtle orthodontic tools, but are not necessarily braces in the traditional sense, although some are. Products like Incognito which is a translucent ceramic brace fitted to the back of the teeth, and thus visually discreet, is an example of an invisible brace.
There are other types of braces, which are fitted to the front of the teeth, but have thin wires and clear or enamel-coloured brackets, reducing the appearance of them, making them practically invisible.
Then, there are dental aligners which are gum shield like devices that go over your teeth. They are thin, translucent and push teeth into new positions over time, but are not technically a brace.
Do Low Impact Orthodontics Work as Efficiently as Traditional Braces?
Metal braces have had more than 100 years in clinical service, building up an incredible track record in their effectiveness addressing a wide range of orthodontic misalignments.
Low impact orthodontics are much newer and therefore do not have this body of research, but pound for pound, they are just as effective as traditional braces.
For many conditions, particularly minor or cosmetic misalignments, a traditional metal brace may be unnecessary when a cheaper, more comfortable and less invasive option is available.
Maintenance and Everyday Use
Day care and maintenance is an important part of good treatment, as poorly maintained tools result in a less effective or ineffective treatment or create secondary issues. A badly cleaned brace keeps food particles in contact with the enamel for extended periods of time increasing the chances of forming cavities.
Most systems which are reliant on brackets and wires are also permanently fixed in place; this means you have to use the mouthwashes and interdental brushes when keeping them clean. It is also important to avoid foods which are particularly sticky, like toffee or can have hard grains or kernels like popcorn.
If you’re using a removable system like a clear aligner, you will be able to remove it before eating and it will simply require you to brush your teeth before replacing the aligners in your mouth. They also have far less impact on your dietary choices.
Progress and Check-ups
Monitoring progress so that the treatment schedule can be altered if issues arise is an important aspect of responsible and professional orthodontic care. Most low impact orthodontic systems will require tightening or adjusting throughout treatment in much the same way as a traditional metal brace.
This is not true for aligner-based systems where all of the modifications, the force and direction of the force applied to the teeth is pre-designed in the sequence of the aligners, so simply moving on to the next aligner in the sequence is equivalent to an adjustment in the brace.
But it is still important to attend regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist and to check for signs of reversion to make sure your tooth position is still in synchronicity with the aligner you’re currently using.
Conclusion
We hope this post about invisible aligners has answered some of your questions to help you decide whether it is for you or not. Remember always book a consultation with an experienced and reputable dentist or orthodontist for any cosmetic or surgical dentistry.