Do crooked teeth get in the way of your daily life? Worried about looking weird with metal braces? Invisible braces may be the right treatment for you!
Invisible braces are an ideal cosmetic dental treatment for patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment AND want to avoid traditional metal braces. Dr. Leonard Hess offers several braces options to meet your needs and goals.
With invisible braces, no one will know that you are wearing braces. Dr. Hess can gradually align your teeth and restore balance to your bite in under a year with this orthodontic treatment.
Invisible braces are a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that gently reposition the teeth. Depending on your case, you will wear a series of aligners for approximately two weeks each.
Most patients complete treatment in six to 12 months. Dr. Hess also offers additional cosmetic dentistry services from his Monroe, North Carolina office.
What Do Invisible Braces Correct?
Invisible braces are suitable for most teens and adults. Senior patients and children who do not have all their molars may not be eligible for clear braces. Invisible braces can correct many conditions, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite
Why Should I Fix Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. If you straighten your teeth with invisible braces, you can boost your self-esteem and renew your confidence.
Bite problems and dental misalignment can also increase your risk of many oral health issues. Fix these concerns so that you can protect your smile from problems like:
- Tooth decay
- TMJ disorders
- Worn or broken teeth
- Damaged dental fillings or crowns
- Gum disease
Invisible Braces vs. Metal Braces
Perhaps the greatest advantage invisible braces have compared to metal braces is their discreetness. Most people won’t even notice you are wearing the aligners. Other advantages include:
Improved health and hygiene – One added benefit of using invisible braces for orthodontic treatment is the ability to thoroughly clean teeth and gums. Removable aligners can be taken out when you eat or drink. They can also be removed to allow you to brush and floss normally. This also allows patients to receive a thorough dental cleaning during treatment. Thus, you see a reduced chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
Gentle treatment – Aligners are custom-fit to gently reposition teeth without harming tooth enamel, gum tissue, or TMJ. Patients report far less pain from using clear aligners.
Convenient treatment – Fewer dental visits are needed with invisible braces than metal braces. Your general dentist can manage your treatment and monitor your progress by removing them during visits.
Improved bite – Orthodontic treatment not only straightens teeth but can restore your bite’s balance. Clear aligners comfortably align your teeth and allow your jaw to function without being stressed by metal braces. This can alleviate the effects of a bite disorder such as TMJ and keep your smile strong and healthy for the long run!
How to Care for Invisible Braces
As with any oral appliance, your invisible braces will look and function best when you take good care of them. Ensure invisible braces retain their pristine condition with proper cleaning and maintenance.
- Remove invisible braces while eating to prevent trapping food or staining clear aligners.
- Practice proper oral hygiene for your entire smile to maintain a clean foundation as you wear invisible braces.
- Brush invisible braces at least once a day with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleanser.
- Rinse invisible braces before you place them in your mouth to avoid germ transfer.
- Do not use hot water to clean invisible braces so that you do not melt or warp your aligners.
If your invisible braces develop stains, they will not respond to whitening treatment. Damaged or ill-fitting aligners will require replacement from your dentist. Therefore, preventive care proves crucial to a successful teeth-straightening treatment.
Invisible Braces FAQs
Invisible braces are a subtle way to straighten your smile. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How much do invisible braces cost?
Invisible braces are relatively affordable compared to other methods of orthodontic treatment. The cost of treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals and the type of braces you select. Dr. Hess offers flexible payment options and financing for qualified patients.
How long does invisible braces treatment take?
For most patients, treatment will last between six and 12 months. Are your teeth very crooked and noticeable, or do you have just a few stubborn crooked teeth that need to be adjusted? The answer to these questions will impact treatment time and results. Treatment plans vary depending on the extent of your dental misalignment.
Are invisible braces comfortable?
Yes. Most patients forget they are wearing invisible braces. This is because the aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth snugly. You can even take them off to eat food and brush your teeth.
Will clear aligners stain my teeth?
Clear aligners cannot stain your teeth. They do not contain harsh chemicals or materials that can cause tooth stains. They can only damage your teeth if you do not remove them before eating or rinse and brush them before wearing them.
Will invisible braces permanently straighten my teeth?
Like with traditional braces, you’ll need to wear a retainer sometimes so that we can ensure that your teeth stay in the proper positions. Each person is different, so the length of time you’ll need to wear yours to keep the results you want may vary.
Am I a good candidate for invisible braces?
Invisible braces treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, you may need oral appliances or traditional metal braces to treat your condition. You must also be responsible enough to change the aligners on time and not lose them when you take them out to eat or brush your teeth. Book a dental consultation to learn the best way to straighten your teeth.
Why do dentists recommend early orthodontic intervention?
Teens make for ideal candidates for invisible braces treatment because they have all their adult teeth, but they have not yet fully fused into the jaw. This makes it easier for aligners to push teeth into the desired straight position. Older dental patients can also undergo invisible braces treatment, but it may take longer to achieve their results.
Request an Orthodontic Evaluation Today
Dr. Hess has extensive experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in Monroe, North Carolina. Visit us for a thorough invisible braces consultation.
We will examine your oral history and make recommendations that align with your budget and overall cosmetic goals. Call us at 704-240-5045 or schedule a visit online today.