When it comes to choosing your invisible braces, there are a number of options available to you, and with them all being slightly visible, some are more discreet than others.
Your Options for Invisible Braces:
When it comes to selecting invisible braces, the options are usually split into three main categories.
Ceramic braces – also known as white/clear braces
Ceramic braces are not the least visible out of the “invisible braces” that are available, but they are certainly less visible than traditional metal braces. While the bracket itself is made out of clear ceramic, it is still required for the brace wire to be created from metal. In some cases, certain wires are suitable for coating using white plastic or resin, but due to the chance of the coating chipping away, and ultimately leaving the brace exposed, this isn’t always recommended. Another instance where coating may not be suitable is if you are undergoing particularly complex treatment that could involve frequent wire changes. When it comes to ceramic braces, it’s important to know that the wire attached to the brace can pick up dietary stains from anything with a strong colour such as curry, wine and soy sauce.
Invisalign – Clear aligners
Although Invisalign braces are less visible than ceramic, they are considerably different from more traditional braces. Invisalign is a series of removable clear plastic aligners tasked with gradually straightening teeth. While there are many other brands of clear aligners available, Invisalign is a far more proficient choice. Many invisalign treatments require a dentist to use a similar material to that of a white filler, in order to make attachments. During this procedure, a very small amount of this white filling is attached to the outside of your tooth, in order to slowly straighten your teeth as soon as the aligner is fitted.
Invisalign is very efficient when it comes to fixing small problems that you may have, such as crowded, crooked or gaps in the teeth. However, if you suffer from issues with your bite, or teeth that protrude, this course of treatment is not recommended. Although Invisalign aligners can actually be removed for things such as eating or photographs, it is highly advised that they should remain fitted for a minimum of 22 hours a day, as wearing them less than this, or removing them more frequently, could result in a poor final outcome.
Lingual braces – hidden metal braces
Lingual braces are the most discreet type of invisible braces. Lingual braces are metal braces that are hidden on the inside of your teeth. Due to being virtually invisible, these braces are only noticeable if you open your mouth very wide, such as when laughing or yawning, otherwise it will be very unlikely that anyone will notice you even have them. The inner surface shape of teeth varies significantly from person to person, so braces to fit the inside of your teeth are custom made to fit each patient. Due to the advanced complexity that comes with fitting lingual braces, these procedures can cost up to twice as much as traditional braces.