| Many adults would like
to have straight teeth, but they don't want to go through conventional
orthodontic treatment. Invisible braces can be perfect for these patients.
The picture on the right shows how simple the treatment is. You have a set
of clear plastic aligners manufactured by computer. There may be twelve to
twenty-four sets of aligners. Each set is made to apply pressure to your teeth
so they move a little bit. Twice a month, you put in a new set of
aligners. You'll notice when you put it in that it doesn't quite fit. Over
the two weeks, your teeth will shift so that the aligner fits. Gradually,
over a period of six to
twelve months, they make your teeth completely straight.
Advantages of Invisible Braces
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They do not show. From a conversational
distance, people can't tell that you have anything at all on your teeth. |
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There are no food restrictions. You simply
remove the aligners when you eat and put them in again when you are
done. |
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Brushing and flossing is easier. With
wire-and-bracket braces, you have to thread the floss between your
teeth, and it is very awkward. With invisible braces, there is no extra
difficulty in doing this. |
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Comfort. Metal brackets irritate your tongue
and your cheek. These don't irritate at all. |
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Treatment time is shorter. Conventional braces
typically are worn for two to three years. Invisible braces usually take one year or less.
One of the reasons is that
tooth movements are planned by the computer, so they are more efficient and
thus faster. |
Disadvantages of Invisible Braces
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The laboratory costs are high, so invisible
braces are more expensive than
conventional braces. |
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They won't work for every patient.
There are certain kinds of cases that can only be treated with conventional braces. |
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The patient must
cooperate. If you don't remember to wear the aligners, they won't
work. Some teenagers resist reminders and don't feel motivated to do
the treatment. For such patients, braces that are bonded to their
teeth will always be there, can't be lost, and may be the best
treatment. |
If you have crooked teeth, your teeth can also be
made to look straight in a couple of appointments with
porcelain veneers. |
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