FAQs About Invisible Braces

If you want to straighten your teeth with invisible braces, you may have many questions about the procedure. Invisible braces are excellent options for those who want to undergo treatment discreetly. In this article, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about invisible braces.

What are invisible braces? 

Invisible braces are braces that do not stand out on the teeth. Clear aligners use a series of removable aligner trays to straighten the teeth gradually while lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth to make them more discreet. For a more traditional option, the dentist may provide fixed braces with transparent or ceramic brackets.

Are invisible braces completely invisible?

No. The term is only used to describe inconspicuous braces. A brace can never be entirely invisible, but some options are virtually unnoticeable except at close range. For instance, aligners use transparent trays, and lingual braces are carefully hidden behind the teeth. Most people choose invisible braces because they are discreet.

Are they as effective as traditional braces?

Clear fixed braces and lingual braces use the same working mechanism as regular metal braces, which means they are effective for straightening. Clear aligners are not suitable for correcting severe dental malocclusions like impacted teeth but are highly effective for the right cases.

Can one take off invisible braces?

Invisible braces like clear aligners are removable, but only when eating, drinking or brushing. Removing them for longer than two hours a day can affect the effectiveness of the treatment.

Are they more pricey than regular braces?

The cost of teeth straightening varies, depending on the patient’s condition. For mild cases, an invisible brace may be more cost-effective than regular braces. Lingual braces may cost more than aligners and traditional braces because the cost of production is higher, and additional appointments are required for adjustment.

Will the invisible braces become discolored?

Clear fixed braces have transparent or tooth-colored brackets that seamlessly blend in with the teeth. The brackets are usually created to be resistant to stains. However, the dentist may use elastic bands to connect the brace’s archwire to the bracket, and these are more prone to stains.

It is possible to reduce the risk of stains by reducing the intake of colored foods and drinks, brushing regularly and quitting smoking. Even if the elastic bands become stained, the dentist can switch them out during the following dental appointment. Clear self-ligating braces do not need elastic bands; they might be preferable for those worried about stains, and clear aligners are changed every few weeks, which means they cannot discolor so fast.

Will the teeth remain straight after treatment?

After regular teeth straightening treatment, patients can preserve the results by using fixed or removable retainers. Invisible braces are not exempted. Keeping the teeth straight is as vital as the teeth straightening procedure. The retainers will help keep the teeth in position. They are usually not intrusive, and the frequency of usage should decrease over the years.

In conclusion

To get more answers about invisible braces, book an appointment with your dentist for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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