Invisible Braces

For all the commonality of the “tin grin” there is a very high demand for invisible braces among adults seeking orthodontic corrections. Though a surprising majority of people today continue to use traditional braces because of the much more effective nature of metal braces, rest assured that there are a couple fantastic options that patients have for nearly invisible .  This article will cover the two most prominent procedures available: Invisalign and lingual braces.

 

The Pros and Cons

Invisalign could easily take the title of most popular variety of clear braces on the market. This name brand orthodontic procedure consists of plastic trays custom fitted to the patient’s teeth and worn night and day over the teeth. Every two weeks the trays are traded out for a slightly adjusted set of trays that will guide the teeth increasingly toward the perfect smile.

 

Many patients report that these clear braces are a fantastic alternative to the traditional style. They allow for a patient to enjoy complete control over the process. The trays can be removed at any time; they do not need to be worn while eating, and they are nearly invisible . Invisalign also has incredible pluses as far as being great for your oral health. A person can remove the trays to thoroughly brush and floss teeth, which is one of the most common negative effects traditional braces can have. Food and debris are not caught behind the metal brackets, teeth can be whitened and cleaned, and generally a patient can enjoy great confidence with Invisalign.

 

Some other commonly sited pluses to these clear see through braces are their comfortable nature, their preservation of lips and cheeks from the wounds often inflicted by traditional brackets, and the freedom they allow the wearer to eat whatever they would like.

 

While Invisalign clear braces are much loved, there are some cons to these plastic braces. First, Invisalign are not nearly as effective as the traditional metal braces well known in the orthodontic world. Where the rugged metal brackets and wires can provide a consistent pressure to guide teeth into the proper positions, Invisalign plastic trays are less powerful and take much longer to correct even slight malocclusions. If you are hoping to have a serious bite or crowding straightened out, chances are that you are not a viable candidate for these invisible braces.

 

Another problem sited with Invisalign teeth braces is that many people do not use them correctly. They must be worn consistently night and day. Though they are removed for eating they must be put back on as soon as the meal is finished. The trouble is that you must carefully clean your teeth before replacing the trays. Perhaps the biggest negative factor of Invisalign is that they are expensive and are more a matter of guess work than practical knowledge as the aligner trays are designed by computer software.

 

Lesser Known Lingual Braces

Interestingly enough, lingual braces are a nearly invisible form of traditional braces that are fitted to the back side of the teeth. Lingual braces are lesser known but they are effective at correcting even the worst of malocclusions because they use the same rugged materials as metal braces.

 

Many adults appreciate these invisible braces, which are hidden on the back side of teeth and are specially conformed to the teeth to provide as little impediment to normal speech and care as possible. These braces are much cheaper than Invisalign and do not cut up the lips and cheeks like traditional braces do. Also, lingual braces do not have to be reserved for special age groups, and nearly everyone is an appropriate candidate for lingual braces.

 

The biggest problems with lingual braces are that these invisible braces can catch all kinds of food and debris, and without thorough cleaning these can remain behind unseen by the patient. Left over food can cause rotting of the teeth. Some people also claim that they are more difficult to get used to.

 

When it comes down to it, both Lingual and Invisalign braces are fantastic options for those who might be self-conscious about braces. Lingual are faster and cheaper while Invisalign are more comfortable and easier to get used to. Whichever option you choose will be a great choice for healthier and prettier smiles.