Invisible Braces advantages and disadvantages: What you should know

What are Invisible Braces?

The invisible braces are a modern alternative than the traditional methods of orthodontist treatments. There are different types:

1. Clear aligners as Invisalign: They are removable plastic trays, adjustable over teeth. The patient can receive custom aligners that he or she must change every week to move gradually all teeth to a desired position. They are comfortable and removable, which makes easier dental hygiene and there are no dietary restrictions.  
2. Ceramic braces: Those are made of clear materials which can mimetite with tooth shade. It makes them less visible than metal ones. The functions are the same as traditional metal braces, but clear material makes camouflage better with teeth.

Now a days, patients prefer clear aligners like Invisalign. 

Material and design of aligners (Invisalign)

The clear aligners, such as Invisalign type, are made with thermoplastic material of high quality, which is flexible and resistant, providing a comfortable and lightweight adjustment. Aligners are made personalized and in a digital way, with intra oral scanner, considering the dental structure of each patient, which guarantees a successful treatment. 

The dental laboratory through a specialized software and digital technology design all the movements to the desired position of the teeth.

How they work in orthodontics

The function of the clear braces (Invisalign type) is based on controlled pression and movement over teeth. With every new tray, which must be change every week, teeth move gradually to the desired position. 

We are going to explain in detail important functionality aspects.

• To be effective, aligners must be used 22-23 hours per day, only stop using them to eat or to clean them.
• Must change aligners every week or two weeks, it depends of every patient’s case. 

These aligners provide a more aesthetic and comfortable treatment in comparison with traditional metal braces. The personalized treatment and precision of the scanning will allow dental movement with an optimized process.

Advantages of the Clear Braces such as Invisalign

The clear braces such as Invisalign, offer different types of advantages so they have become a popular election for patients who are looking for a solution to improve the smile. The more significant benefits are:

Aesthetics and Discretion

The most important one is its invisible aspect. It makes that patients keep the aesthetic without a metal looking smile given by the traditional braces.

Adults and teenager preferences

The discretion that the invisible braces or Invisalign aligners offer, makes them very popular specially between adults and teenagers. Those groups value aesthetic and prefer treatments that do not compromise their personal looking during the correction the dental process.

Comfort and Accommodation

The aligners are designed with soft and flexible materials, which minimize the uncomfortable pain. In comparison with metal braces, that can cause irritation on the gums, mouth and lips.

Maintenance of the dental Hygiene

One of the most important advantages of Invisalign treatment is the easy way to keep a good dental hygiene. The patients can take-out the aligners when they need them, making it easy to brush and to use dental floss.

Personalized treatment planning

Digital technology and personalization are the focus of the invisaling treatment. There is a specific treatment plan for every patient, according to their dental needs.

Invisalign Orthodontics Technology

The dental movement is coordinated with accuracy, thanks to digital technology and scanning process which can reduce the total time of the treatment.

Fewer Visits to the Doctor

The patients that select invisible brackets or Invisalign treatment could have fewer visits to the doctor’s office. Patients can take home several aligners and visit few times the doctor. This is a benefit for patients that want to get the treatment, but they can not go to monthly controls or because they live outside of Medellin. 

Contact Sports Protection 

For athletes, invisible braces or Invisalign aligners are an advantage option because they are removable, and reduce the risk of buccal injure, compared to traditional braces that can cause damage if the athlete is hit on the mouth.

Patients with Bruxism

Plastic retainers or Invisalign are beneficial in patients that have bruxism, because it can function as a night guard to protect teeth of the grinding. 

Disadvantages of Invisible braces or Invisalign treatment

The Invisalign treatment, although offers many advantages, can have some disadvantages. It is important to consider them before taking any decision about the treatment. Those disadvantages can influence the experience and results of the Invisalign treatment.

Discipline and commitment

The success of Invisalign treatment, depends totally on the patient’s discipline. It is very important that patients are committed to follow doctor’s instructions to guaranty satisfactory results.

Daily use

The Invisalign aligners must be used a minimum of 22 or 23 hours per day. This compromise can be difficult for some people, specifically if they have active life or irregularly routines.

Limitations for severe malocclusions

The invisible braces or Invisalign treatment is not for all dental cases, especially in severe malocclusions. 

Unilaser offers virtual or presential assessments at no cost with dental specialists that are available to offer the best option to improve the patient’s smile.

Detailed Hygiene care

Although oral health is easier with aligners, it is very important that patients have a good dental hygiene; brush teeth three times a day, use dental floss every day and visit a dentist for professional cleanings.

Cleaning the aligners 

Aligners must be cleaned frequently with cold water, to prevent shrinking, stains and bad odors. 

Restrictions for children under 13 years of age

Invisible retainers or Invisalign treatment is recommended for patient with permanent teeth with roots completely formed, which is usually after 13 years old.

Removing Aligners for eating

Patients must remove aligners to eat. For some patients removing aligners for eating can cause discomfort, especially in social situations. 

Patient commitment for optimal results

The success of the treatment depends on the patient’s commitment. If patients are not constantly using aligners and following doctor’s instructions, it can lead to unsatisfactory results. The patient responsibility is important during the process.

Final considerations

Invisible braces or Invisalign treatment offers many advantages, but patients have to know everything and hear doctor’s recommendations before taking decisions on which one to choose.

Orthodontic Evaluation 

Consultation with a recognized orthodontic doctor or Invisalign expert is important. This is crucial at the moment of taking the decision of which kind of treatment is the best one.  The specialist can do a comprehensive diagnostic and guide the patients about the appropriate treatments.

Cost of the Treatment

The cost of the treatment depends on each case; the lab will determine how many trays each patient will be needing. 

Comparation with Traditional Braces

The invisible braces and Invisalign treatment have differences with traditional braces in several aspects:

• Aesthetic: Invisalign is less visible, which is more attractive for many patients.
• Comfort: It is design to prevent irritation, while metal braces can cause discomfort during the treatment.
• Maintenance: The advantage of taking in and out aligners allow a better dental hygiene.
• Frequent visits: Invisalign treatment requires less control or visits to the doctor, making easy the scheduling for patients that live out of the city.

Invisible braces or Invisalign Impact in everyday life

Using clear aligners can modify some aspects in every day’s life:

• Social Activities: patients can feel more comfortable socializing with other people because clear aligners are discreet.
• Food Habits: Taking in and out aligners can require adjustments in when and how patients will eat some food.
• Sports Practices: Invisalign treatment offers safe alternatives to people that practice impact sports.

In conclusion, considering above mentioned facts will allow you to have a better vision over the election of the orthodontic treatment, effectiveness and benefits for every patient.