Unless you have been living on Mars or under a rock, chances are that in the last few years you have read about the advancement in orthodontics and braces.
Today, even if you are past the age of 15, it is now possible for you to undertake orthodontic treatment without the need for a metal or orthodontic brace, thanks to the invention of clear and invisible braces.
As the names suggest, these braces are designed to be visually discreet and some are designed to move your teeth without the need for brackets and wires. How great is that for a modern brace?
But before you book the next available dental appointment to discuss having Invisalign, you will probably have some queries. Here, the top 5 online FAQs are answered, to provide you with a bit of insight into invisible braces. Enjoy!
How do they work?
These invisible braces use a set of aligners which are custom-fitted to your teeth. Each one is designed to be worn for 2 weeks and will gently push your teeth into the desired position; once they feel loose, it is time to change to the next one in the sequence.
They do not require tightening and you will only need to see your dentist on average every 6 weeks for a check-up; there is even an app, so you can share some information with your dental team without needing to set foot into the surgery!
Are they uncomfortable?
Sadly, there is no such thing as a perfectly comfortable orthodontic treatment; all of them require your teeth to move and will use pressure one way or another to achieve it.
But, when people who have worn regular braces are then given invisible ones, they often report that they are more comfortable in daily life. If you have any discomfort, talk to your dentist about the most suitable over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the treatment take?
This will depend on the severity of the misalignment being treated and on how dedicated you are to wearing your brace for 22 hours a day.
For mild to moderate issues, the average treatment time is between 3-6 months, but if you have a bit of a complex case, you may need to wear the aligner for up to 12 months, at the discretion of your dentist.
Is it expensive?
A key area that many dental patients worry about in relation to invisible or clear braces is the cost.
And yes, when you see the ‘amount due’ it can feel like a decent amount of money; but many dental teams are able to offer financing options, which will help to break the cost down into affordable chunks. For further information, consult your dental team.
Will the brace work?
Both clear and invisible braces are proven at moving teeth long term into a more aligned and symmetrical position. But, post brace treatment, you will need to wear an aligner to ensure that they stay in their new position without relapsing.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
