Do Invisible Braces Work? Benefits and Results Explained

Thanks to invisible braces, a straight, confident smile is more accessible than ever. In April 2021, Align Technology celebrated ten million Invisalign smiles, proving that clear aligners are an effective way to straighten teeth.

But how do invisible braces work, and what benefits do they offer compared to traditional metal braces?

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces, called clear aligners, are a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. Brands like Invisalign, SureSmile, and ClearCorrect have revolutionised orthodontics by providing a nearly invisible, removable way to straighten teeth.

These specially designed plastic trays easily fit over your teeth, and pressure is gently applied to shift them into the desired position over time.

Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, invisible braces rely on advanced 3D imaging technology to create a series of aligners tailored to your unique dental structure. Each set of aligners gradually moves your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and discreet treatment process.

How Do Invisible Braces Work?

All orthodontic treatments work by applying force to shift teeth into alignment. Traditional braces do this by tightening wires, but invisible braces achieve the same results through carefully designed aligners.

1. Customised Treatment Plan: Using 3D scanning technology, your dentist creates digital impressions of your teeth. These scans create a detailed treatment plan, predicting how your teeth will shift over time.
2. Series of Aligners: A set of custom-made aligners is designed based on your treatment plan. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one, ensuring gradual movement.
3. Wearing the Aligners: You keep each aligner in for at least 22 hours daily for approximately two weeks. The aligners apply gentle pressure, encouraging teeth to shift into ideal positions.
4. Bone Remodeling Process: As the teeth move, the jawbone undergoes osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity. Osteoclastic activity breaks down the bone to make room for movement, while osteoblastic activity rebuilds the bone in the new position. This ensures stable, long-lasting results.
5. Final Refinements: Once the initial set of aligners is completed, your dentist may recommend refinements using additional aligners to perfect the results.

The Importance of Wearing Aligners Consistently

Consistency is key when it comes to clear aligners. Since they are removable, taking them out more often than recommended is tempting.

However, for the best results:

• Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Teeth only move when the aligners are in place, so keeping them on as much as possible ensures steady progress.
• Switch to the next set of aligners as instructed. Most patients switch aligners every two weeks, but your dentist will help you according to your situation.
• Monitor your aligner fit. If an aligner doesn’t fit properly or causes discomfort, inform your dentist immediately to prevent delays in your treatment.
• Stay patient and flexible. The number of aligners required varies based on the complexity of your case. Treatment can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the degree of alignment needed.

Benefits of Invisible Braces

1. Nearly Invisible Appearance

One of the clear aligners’ primary benefits is their discrete design. They are an excellent option for adults and teenagers who want a more understated orthodontic treatment because they are invisible in contrast to metal braces.

2. Removable Convenience

Invisible braces are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, unlike regular braces fastened in place. This means no food restrictions and better oral hygiene throughout treatment.

3. Comfortable Fit

The smooth plastic used to make clear aligners lowers the possibility of oral discomfort or ulcers. Metal braces, on the other hand, often cause pain due to wires and brackets.

4. Shorter and Fewer Dental Visits

Traditional braces require frequent adjustments by a dentist. With invisible braces, you change aligners at home as instructed, reducing the need for frequent visits.

5. Predictable Results

Thanks to advanced 3D imaging, your dentist can show you a preview of how your teeth will look after treatment. This makes the process more transparent and allows for better expectations.

6. Suitable for Various Dental Issues

Numerous orthodontic problems can be resolved using invisible braces, including:

• Mild to moderate crowding
• Spacing issues
• Overbites and underbites
• Crossbites
• Relapse from previous orthodontic treatment

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisible Braces?

While clear aligners are effective for many people, they may not be suitable for severe misalignment cases. Your Northbridge dentist will assess your smile to ascertain whether invisible braces are the best option.

Factors that may affect your candidacy include:

• The complexity of your dental misalignment
• Jaw structure and bone density
• Commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed

Traditional braces may still be recommended if you have significant bite issues or require major tooth movement. However, with continuous advancements in aligner technology, more cases are becoming treatable with clear aligners.

What to Expect After Treatment

Once your teeth have reached their final position, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the results. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back and ensure your new smile stays in place.

Your Northbridge dentist will guide you on how often to wear your retainer based on your case.

Transform Your Smile with Invisible Braces in Northbridge

Invisible braces are an excellent option for those seeking a discrete, comfortable, and efficient teeth straightening method. With the right commitment and guidance from your dentist, you can achieve a beautifully aligned smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

If you’re considering invisible braces, consult our experienced dental team at My Local Dentists. We offer Invisalign clear aligners and alternatives, including SureSmile and ClearCorrect, to help save on costs.

Contact your Northbridge dentist today at (02) 8318 5966 to start your journey to a straighter, more confident smile!

Visit us at Shop 20A Northbridge Plaza, 79-113 Sailors Bay Road in Northbridge.