Many people consider braces as an essential rite of passage. Almost 80 percent of children and teens in the United States are undergoing an orthodontic treatment at any given time. However, popularity of braces is not limited to young girls and boys. Many adults are also trying corrective aligners for a variety of reasons:

  • A more beautiful smile
  • Healthy teeth and gums
  • Easy cleaning
  • Smaller gaps between teeth

Braces straighten the teeth by applying constant pressure on them and keeping them in a steady place. There are several types of braces in the market today including metallic braces, ceramic braces, invisible braces, and self-ligating braces.

Invisible braces are clear, colorless plastic aligners that can be customized for a tight fit. They are great for individuals with mild-to-moderate spacing issues. The treatment ranges from 10 to 24 months. Your doctor will take pictures and measurements of your oral cavity and have the manufacturer create a customized set of acrylic or plastic braces for you. Invisible braces offer several benefits to men, women and teens:

Cosmetic

Invisible braces straighten your teeth effectively but without the embarrassment associated with traditional braces. You can wear them to school, work and dinner. The colorless or white aligners blend with your teeth and improve your appearance almost instantaneously compared to metal braces.

Comfort

Smooth invisible aligners fit tightly on the contour of your teeth. Most patients do not feel their presence and can continue to smile freely. Unlike traditional braces, they do not leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Invisible braces also tend to be much less painful, as their surfaces are flat, rounded plastic rather than the sharp metal brackets of traditional braces.

Removable

Patients can remove their invisible braces while playing sports and certain musical instruments and place them back as per their convenience. You can also remove them before eating certain foods. You can brush and floss your teeth regularly, and thereby enjoy better oral health. Simply remove and clean them each time you brush your teeth.

Safety

Invisible braces lower the risk of injuries that occur due to broken pockets and poking wires. All the materials used to make the aligners are completely safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients can wear them for prolonged periods of time with minimal side effects.

Duration of Treatment

Unlike traditional braces which may take up to five years, invisible braces can give you results in less than a year. There are no hidden surprises. Computerized images can show you the final results before you commit to the treatment. Whether you visit Dunn Orthodontics or an office near you, inquire about the plausibility of invisible aligners for your specific dental needs.

Invisible braces or aligners have gained immense popularity in recent times. Most dentists and orthodontists offer them at their office. Learn more about invisible braces and discuss the pros and cons with a professional before your next orthodontic treatment.