Hidden Braces vs. Invisalign
When most people imagine orthodontic work, they envision being a teenager with unattractive braces. However, you can receive treatment that can be hidden to the public. Invisalign and lingual braces are both options that can safely correct your malocclusion and are discreet. What are the differences between the two? Here is a guide to help you make your decision about whether to have invisible braces or Invisalign.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an excellent choice if you do not want the hassle of wearing metal braces. Invisalign is composed of a set of upper and lower clear aligners. These aligners are worn 22 hours a day and can be removed for eating and brushing. Invisalign can treat many conditions such as:
- Spaced Teeth
- Overly Crowded Teeth
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Overbite
There is a common belief that Invisalign cannot treat complicated issues and is used only for minor adjustments. Invisalign can straighten a variety of malocclusions. Talk to your orthodontist about wearing Invisalign. He can analyze your smile and bite and determine if you are candidate for Invisalign.
Getting Invisalign Clear Aligners
Consultation
The first step to starting your Invisalign, a preliminary consultation in which your healthcare professional will discuss your treatment goals and see if Invisalign is the right treatment for your conditions. They may image or x-ray your mouth for diagnostic purposes.
Invisalign molds
In order to create your Invisalign mold, your orthodontist take a physical impression of your teeth and gums. These will be sent to a lab where they will customize your clear aligner trays.
Wearing your trays
You should wear your aligners each and every day for at least 22 hours for them to effectively work. The plastic material of the aligners is made out of is soft and clear to reduce irritation and discomfort. You should only remove them to brush and eat. When you are not doing either, they should be in your mouth straightening your smile. Because they are transparent, no one will be able to tell if you are wearing Invisalign.
Two week refittings
Every two weeks, you will new aligners fitted to keep your teeth shifting into the correct position. By changing them every two weeks, your doctor can slowly navigate the teeth into correct position. This procedure does not hurt and is quick.
Treatment time
The amount of time you need to wear Invisalign differs based on each individual case, but your provider can create a estimated time of treatment during your consultation.
Wearing Hidden Braces
Lingual braces
These special kind of braces are an excellent choice if you do not want the responsibility of remembering to wear and put in Invisalign. Back of the teeth braces are like regular braces but they are glued on the back side of the upper and lower teeth. This way, your treatment is hidden from public eye. These braces can treat the same conditions that Invisalign does including:
Closely spaced teeth
- Crowded Teeth
- Crossbites and Underbites
- Overbites
Consultation
The first step to having lingual braces fit, is a consultation where your doctor will determine if lingual braces are right for your case. He or she will take pictures, 3D models, and x-ray to assist them in decision making.
Having your braces placed
On the day you have your back braces placed, your doctor will place a cement on the back of your teeth. Then they will glue each metal bracket to the inside. By placing them on the inside, the braces are hidden from public view. Only you can see and feel them. The process is similar to having regular frontal braces placed.
Two week checkups and refitting
Every eight weeks, you will return to have the braces adjusted and a new wire placed. Your orthodontist may extend or shorten this interval depending on your case.
Treatment time
The amount of time that you need to wear your braces depends on your condition and your doctor’s opinion.
Finding an orthodontist that is right for you
It is important that you have a doctor assist you in making the decision of whether to having lingual braces or Invisalign. This guide is not a substitute for professional medical judgement.
