For several years now it is no longer necessary to give up the aesthetics of the smile while correcting the teeth through orthodontics.
Both adults and young people can opt for very discreet treatments that are not obvious to others.
Dental appliances such as clear sapphire brackets, lingual orthodontics (Incognito) or Invisalign offer not only effective results, but also the peace of mind that the appearance of the smile is not altered.
Once it is clear to you that what is most important for you is esthetics, what treatments can you choose?
The vast majority of times, our patients opt for invisible orthodontics, that is, Invisalign or Incognito.
What are Invisalign and lingual orthodontics?
Invisalign and Incognito are systems known as invisible orthodontics because they are much more discreet than conventional techniques.
In addition, they are the only orthodontic appliances that are custom-made.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign invisible orthodontics is a method based on transparent and removable splints that are custom-made for each person’s mouth.
Through planning by the orthodontist, these aligners perform micro-movements to place the teeth in the desired position.
These splints must be changed every 2 weeks.
Incognito invisible braces
On the other hand, lingual orthodontics is the result of the most advanced bracket technology.
The appliance is placed on the inside of the teeth, making it the only 100% invisible orthodontics.
Incognito Brackets
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LINGUAL ORTHODONTICS
The brackets are made to measure for the patient, in a gold alloy, thanks to a computer software that guarantees maximum precision in the correction of the smile.
The size of the appliance is smaller than traditional metal brackets, facilitating the adaptation period of the person.
Removable or fixed orthodontics?
The main difference between the two appliances is that Invisalign is removable and lingual brackets are fixed.
Depending on the patient’s lifestyle habits, a fixed orthodontic appliance can be much more advantageous than a removable one, or vice versa.
Discomfort and wearing time
For example, if the person finds it difficult to maintain discipline in the use of aligners, a fixed one will be more positive.
However, if, on the other hand, the person is committed to wearing the splints for the minimum recommended time – 22 hours a day – it will be more comfortable.
The splint sets are changed every 2 weeks and have an approximate movement of 025 millimeters.
This is a constant but very slight change, which is why this system usually generates less discomfort than other orthodontic appliances.
Invisalign and Incognito are invisible orthodontic treatments in great demand by people who want to correct their smile without affecting their esthetics.
Adaptation period
The discomfort caused by orthodontics can be prolonged depending on each person, as pain is a subjective sensation.
In general, the adaptation period can last between 7 and 10 days, but in the case of Incognito it may last a little longer.
This is because the tongue is in direct contact with the brackets.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is more advantageous for the person and does not usually interfere with their social and work life.
Transparent splint
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INVISALIGN INVISIBLE ORTHODONTICS
Time to eat
Although advances in orthodontics have made it possible to reduce the number of restrictions on eating, the use of braces always requires a “special” diet.
It is advisable to avoid foods that may jeopardize the adhesion of the bracket to the tooth: hard, sticky foods or those that require chewing forces, such as a sandwich or an apple.
Invisalign, on the other hand, being a removable method, has no contraindications regarding eating habits.
However, to avoid staining and bad odors, it is advisable not to drink liquids such as coffee when wearing the aligners.
Speech difficulties
In the medium term, none of these appliances interfere with speech.
Even so, it is true that the first few days, in the case of Invisalign, and the first few weeks, if we refer to Incognito, there may be some difficulty pronouncing some words.
Our experience with people who use their voice as a working tool (on the radio, for example) shows that after the adaptation period, there is no speech impediment.
Choose according to your preferences
To choose between Invisalign or Incognito, think about which orthodontics will affect your daily life less.
Are they suitable for all types of cases?
Both orthodontics based on removable aligners and lingual orthodontics are completely recommendable for treating any type of malocclusion or dental problem.
It is true that, a few years ago, Invisalign was not suitable for complex cases, but thanks to the technological advances it has undergone, it is now possible to use this method.
In fact, it has two versions (Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Full), depending on the degree of complexity of each patient.
Therefore, it offers as good results as fixed orthodontics with brackets.
Invisalign ClinCheck
One of the great advantages that Invisalign offers over other orthodontic systems is the so-called Clincheck.
It is a program developed by the brand that markets this orthodontics, Align Technology, which allows to simulate with 3D technology the movement of the teeth until the aligned smile is achieved.
ClinCheck by Invisalign
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INVISALIGN CLINCHECK
In this way, the patient can visualize the result he or she will obtain at the end of the treatment even before starting it.
This brand is responsible for making all the custom-made splints, following the orthodontist’s planning.
How long does the complete treatment last?
As we always tell our patients, the total duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the case.
But in general, and if we compare a similar problem in two people, the one who wears Incognito will obtain the desired smile sooner than the one who wears Invisalign.
Since lingual brackets are completely custom-made, they are one of the most advanced and effective orthodontic systems on the market and this is reflected in the duration of treatment.
WE GIVE YOU A COMPLETE DIAGNOSIS
Advantages of invisible orthodontics: Invisalign and Incognito
Now that you know that clear aligners and lingual orthodontics are extremely esthetic and effective methods, it is time to choose one of them.
The best way to make a decision is to know as much information as possible, so we explain the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment according to different factors.
The importance of esthetics
Although both methods are framed within invisible orthodontics, there are certain differences in terms of aesthetics.
It is true that Invisalign is practically imperceptible, but it can be visible at short distances.
Its transparent splints are made of Smart Track material (multilayer thermoplastic polyurethane).
In addition, although they are discreet, the attachments are also slightly noticeable in the smile, especially when placed on the anterior teeth.
Invisalign attachments
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SPLINT WITH ATTACHMENTS
However, lingual orthodontics is completely invisible, as the brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth.
Throughout the duration of the orthodontic treatment, the smile will remain free of appliances that affect its aesthetics.
The comfort of braces
As we have explained before, all orthodontic treatment requires a period of adaptation in which the person may feel pain due to the pressure of the appliance on the teeth.
In addition to the discomfort generated by the micro-movements of the teeth, it is possible that in the first few days there may be sores or canker sores due to the friction of the appliance.
The lack of brackets and archwires, and the fact that the Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time, make it the more comfortable of the two orthodontic systems.
Although Incognito offers ultra-thin, custom-made brackets, it is inevitable that these sores on the tongue will appear until the person becomes accustomed to them.
Oral hygiene
Maintaining a proper dental hygiene routine with fixed orthodontics is difficult at first.
It requires greater effort on the part of the patient and it is easier for plaque and tartar to accumulate.
However, this inconvenience disappears with removable splints, since they allow us to brush our teeth normally.
Lingual orthodontics favors hygiene on the vestibular (external) side of the teeth, although on the internal side it is necessary to use interproximal or interdental brushes.
It is also advisable to use an oral irrigator that effectively removes food debris.
Duration of visits to the orthodontist
Invisalign is more advantageous than lingual orthodontics in terms of the duration of visits for treatment revisions.
The revisions are shorter, since they do not require the adjustments typical of orthodontics with brackets.
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ORTHODONTIC CHECK-UP
In addition, because the dentist gives the patient two sets of braces at each visit, the patient will have to come to the clinic every 4 to 6 weeks, which is very beneficial for patients who do not live in Madrid.
It should be remembered that with Invisalign, once the orthodontic study has been completed and the treatment plan has been drawn up, all the aligners to be used are already available (not including the refinement phase).
Dental emergencies
The person who opts for Invisalign invisible orthodontics, as a general rule, does not need to visit the dentist due to a dental emergency.
The aligners are removed for eating, so there are no food restrictions that could affect the appliance.
In addition, since there are no brackets, there is no risk of brackets coming off, unlike with lingual orthodontics.
How much does each treatment cost?
The price of invisible orthodontics is higher compared to other types of braces.
In the case of Invisalign, the longer the duration, the more aligners the person will have to wear and, therefore, the price will be higher.
In the clinic we offer the Invisalign Lite treatment from 3,500 €.
The complex technique and high specialization required by Incognito is only offered by professionals in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
In addition, the demands required for placement and adjustments make this type of orthodontics more expensive than Invisalign.
Our orthodontic team places lingual brackets from a price of 4,070 €.
Of course, the price will always depend on the needs of each patient and the duration of treatment, as each case is different.
That is, these figures are approximate and may vary according to each person.
Before giving you a complete estimate, we will analyze your mouth to explain how many months your treatment will last according to your requirements.
Of course, once you receive your estimate, the price is fixed.
This quote not only includes the dental appliances, but also the complete orthodontic study.
Likewise, refinements are included (in the case of Invisalign) and the placement and removal of brackets (in the case of Incognito).
And, in addition, check-ups during and after treatment, retainers (fixed and removable), dental prophylaxis and dental emergencies, should they occur.
And you, which one do you choose?
Now that you know the advantages of each treatment, you just have to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Both allow you to obtain the harmonious, aligned smile you have always wanted and, what’s more, without affecting your image while you achieve it.
If you would like the opinion of a specialized orthodontist, make an appointment for your first free consultation with our dental clinic in Madrid and we will give you a diagnosis without obligation.
If you need our doctors to assess the state of your oral health, don’t let it pass you by and make an appointment.
Call us at +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 , or use the contact form on our website, and ask for your first free appointment.
We will give you a complete diagnosis and an estimate without obligation.
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Bibliographic references
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- Bayan, L., Koulivand, PH and Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: a review of possible therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine , 4 (1), 1-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
- Taher, YA, Samud, AM, El-Taher, FE, ben-Hussin, G., Elmezogi, JS, Al-Mehdawi, BF and Salem, HA (2015). Experimental evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of clove oil in mice. The Libyan journal of medicine , 10 , 28685. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v10.28685 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558274/
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- About the Author
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The distinguished Dr. Alberto Wintergerst Fisch is an specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery and has more than 15 years of experience in various prestigious institutions such as DrAW Clinic and Dental Glaf.
He trained as a Dental Surgeon at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, later he completed a specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the same institution and a Master’s Degree in Health Organization Administration at La Salle University.
He is attached to the National Medical Center “20 de Noviembre” of the ISSSTE and certified by the Mexican Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Thanks to this, Dr. Wintergerst Fisch is recognized as one of the best specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Mexico City and the country.
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