Around 6 out of every 10 people in the world today have had braces fitted at one time.
Typically, those 6 out of 10 people will have undergone orthodontic work in their early teen years and will have had the traditional, large metal braces.
So, when you are told that you need to have braces to help realign your teeth, you are likely to envision large, metal braces and you will cringe. Despite braces being such a common dental procedure, many people refuse to have them fitted, worried about how they will alter their appearance in the short term.
Luckily, there is a form of brace that provides both a minimal cosmetic change while also providing realignment; clear or invisible braces.
What are invisible braces?
Typically made from a thin, clear and flexible plastic, invisible braces can be used to correct minor to moderate alignment issues in the mouth and can also reverse common dental problems like overcrowding.
They can be both fitted to your teeth or removeable and typically, the treatment period is shorter than that of metal braces.
Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits of these braces, there are many other advantages to them too.
Hygiene
When metal braces are fitted, every orthodontist will give you a list of foods you cannot have, this is to reduce issues like tooth decay and plaque.
It is an unfortunate truth that incidents of tooth decay may actually increase after having metal braces fitted as it is harder to identify potential areas of decay for both the wearer and the dentist. Plus, metal braces create a noticeable ‘ledge’ on the teeth, where bacteria and plaque can accumulate.
Invisible braces, even if they are fitted, are clear and so, it is easier to identify issues with hygiene in the mouth as they are occurring. If your braces are removable, you can remove them to clean your teeth and then place them back in your mouth without hassle, meaning your oral hygiene routine will not change, keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.
Comfort
We all remember that friend who had braces fitted and would be in pain after getting them tightened. ‘Tightening’ braces is used to pull teeth in to a new position, using the brace to assist, which can be extremely painful.
Braces that are clear do not use this method to realign teeth. Instead, they rely on gentle pressure points throughout the brace, to realign teeth at a slower and more comfortable pace. Indeed, many people who have worn invisible braces are amazed at how they are able to perform realignment with no pain or pressure on the jaw.
It is worth noting however that these types of braces are not suitable for everyone.
When you have minor to moderate alignment issues, gaps between teeth or crowding, then you are likely to benefit from using clear or invisible braces.
Contact your dentist today about invisible braces and their other benefits.
