Invisible braces, frequently Invisalign or ClearCorrect, are one of the most advanced teeth-straightening devices in modern dentistry. They are a top choice among those who dislike the look and discomfort of traditional metal braces, and they also are highly convenient for eating, cleaning, and an active lifestyle. While this type of dental braces generally costs more than traditional metal braces, the price difference is not always that significant and the treatment is covered by many dental insurance insurance policies. Additionally, the fewer trips to the dentist's office invisible braces require makes getting braces far more convenient.Conditions That Invisible Braces Can TreatInvisalign and other brands of invisible braces can be used to successfully treat a wide variety of dental problems, including the following:
- Gapped Teeth: Sometimes, gaps will develop between your teeth when teeth nearby a missing tooth begin to shift position or when your jawbone grows beyond its ideal size. Such gaps not only mar your smile but they also can lead to gum disease where the gums are no longer protected by teeth.
- Over-bite: When your upper teeth bite down in front of your lower teeth, your lower teeth can be worn down, your jaw can experience pain, and your gums can become irritated. Causes range from genetic inheritance, to an over-developed jawbone, to poor biting habits.
- Under-bite: When your lower teeth jut out past your upper teeth, molars and front teeth can wear down and jaw-pain can result. The causes are much the same as the opposite condition (over-bite), except that missing upper teeth can also contribute.
- Open-bite: When opposing teeth do not touch the way they ought, chewing can become ineffective and painful and speech can be affected. The cause is usually genetic, involving an abnormal jaw-structure.
- Cross-bite: This condition involves both upper and lower teeth being misaligned. The upper teeth may bite down inside of the lower ones and cause tooth wear, bone deterioration, and gum disease.
- Over-crowding: When your teeth do not have sufficient space inside of your mouth, they become over-crowded and, eventually, crooked. Both gum disease and tooth decay are more likely with over-crowded teeth.
All of the above conditions relate to teeth misalignment in one way or another, and invisible braces can assist in treating any of these problems. While other dental work may also be necessary, realigning teeth into their proper positions will be at least a part of the overall treatment.The Initial Interview With Your DentistNot every dentist will have the training to handle Invisalign or other forms of invisible braces, so it is important to verify if they offer this service before scheduling a dental interview. There are many problems that invisible braces can correct, but as they are not the answer in every instance, you need an experienced dentist to help you decide if they are right for you.During the interview, do not hesitate to ask questions about the process, the likely end-results, the cost, insurance coverage, and anything else you are concerned about. This is, after all, a major investment on your part, and you want to be in a position to make a fully informed decision.The Creation of Your Dental AlignersIf you do opt for invisible braces, X-rays, photos, and dental impressions will be taken of your teeth. A 3D-image will then be created from this data, which will assist in mapping out a customized treatment plan. The dentist will determine the intermediate steps between your present teeth alignment and the desired alignment and make an aligners for each stage.In most cases, it will take about a year to re-align your teeth into ideal position, which is substantially less than what is typical with metal braces. A new aligner will be made for each two-week period, and your dentist can even show you images of how your teeth will change in the months ahead.The aligners will be received during your second dental visit, usually a few weeks after the first visit. They are made of transparent, acrylic plastic, have no sharp edges like metal braces, and contain no BPA, which could potentially irritate your mouth. They work by exerting gentle pressures on your teeth until they gradually move into proper position, and they are much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.The Treatment Process With Invisible BracesDuring your 13-month or so treatment period, you will need to see the dentist every 6 weeks to verify all is proceeding according to plan. These visits however are usually only a few minutes long. Simply switch to the next aligner every 2 weeks until treatment is complete.Invisible braces let your natural tooth color show through, and many people won't even notice you are wearing braces- especially from a distance. The aligners are tight enough that they will stay firmly in your mouth and flexible enough that they will be comfortable to wear. You need to keep them on at least 20 hours per day for effective treatment, but they are easy to remove and re-insert when necessary.During treatment, you will notice but little impact on your everyday activities. You can take them off temporarily at meal times and eat any food you desire- unlike the dietary restrictions of metal braces. You can also remove your aligners to go jogging, to exercise, or to take part in contact sports. Sports would be impossible with metal braces since the wires would cut into your cheeks and gums.After eating, and at all other appropriate times, you can brush, floss, and rinse of your teeth easily while the aligners are off. With traditional braces, food getting stuck in the brackets is a real problem and flossing a real challenge, but invisible braces make it easy to thoroughly clean your teeth. Before bedtime, you should wash the aligners in warm water and gently brush them with your tooth brush. It is best to still wear them while sleeping, however.ConclusionInvisalign and other invisible braces have revolutionized what it means to wear braces. It once meant constant trips to the dentist, painful wire tightening, inability to eat as you please and engage in physical recreation, and the unattractive sight of metal wires every time you smile.With the advent of invisible braces, everything has changed. Wearing braces is easier than ever, and there are relatively few impacts on your everyday life.---Sources:http://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/treatment-processhttp://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/living-with-invisalignhttp://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/treatable-cases
