Invisible orthodontics: the most esthetic treatment
Concern for having a beautiful and harmonious smile is constantly on the rise, as are invisible orthodontic treatments.
Having aligned teeth not only provides a healthier appearance, but also self-confidence.
It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment and in fact, in our clinic we receive many adults who want to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Dental appliances are no longer exclusively focused on children and adolescents.
Therefore, along with the demand for orthodontic treatments, there has also been an increase in more aesthetic methods that do not interfere with the image of the people who start these processes.
Below, we explain what invisible orthodontic treatments consist of and how they differ from traditional ones.
What is invisible orthodontics?
Orthodontics encompasses all those dental movements focused on correcting the alignment and malocclusions of the mouth.
Through small movements made gradually, both the teeth and the jaw bones (in the case of interceptive orthodontics) are placed in the proper position.
Thanks to dental appliances, a more esthetic smile is achieved along with full functionality of the teeth.
Therefore, orthodontics reduces jaw discomfort and other bite problems, such as bruxism, in addition to improving oral hygiene.
It also reduces the incidence of periodontal diseases and supporting tissues such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Invisible orthodontic treatments achieve the same objective, with the difference that they are imperceptible -totally or partially- to the eyes of a third person.
The first thought that may come to mind is the image of a person with sapphire brackets.
Undoubtedly, it is a more subtle system than conventional metal brackets, developed thanks to the evolution within the field of orthodontics.
However, we only consider two methods to be invisible: lingual brackets, such as Incognito, and orthodontics based on transparent aligners, such as Invisalign.
If you want a harmonious and functional smile but are afraid that braces will interfere with your image, invisible orthodontics is a good option for you.
You will be interested in ” Orthodontics for adults: it is never too late.
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign is an orthodontic system developed by the Aligntech brand.
Transparent splints
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CLEAR ALIGNERS
It is based on transparent splints -aligners- made to fit the patient’s mouth.
The aligners are removable and are practically imperceptible, being visible only in very short distances.
Lingual orthodontics (Incognito)
Lingual brackets are cemented to the inside of the tooth.
The brand that markets them is Incognito and is really the only orthodontic method that is 100% invisible.
Incognito is custom-made
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INVISIBLE ORTHODONTICS
As we have clarified above, the objective of orthodontic treatment is to correct any type of malocclusion problem.
Consequently, Invisalign and Incognito pursue the same goal, but they are systems whose operation differs in several aspects.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL AESTHETICS? REQUEST APPOINTMENT
How does Invisalign work?
All orthodontic treatment is divided into different phases, the first of which is an essential part to achieve the desired result.
This is the study, thanks to which the dentist obtains a comprehensive diagnosis and a personalized plan.
Invisalign also has a series of stages that we explain below.
The procedure with invisible splints begins with the taking of impressions of the patient’s oral cavity.
At DrAW Dental Clinic we are always committed to the latest technological advances, so this sample is taken with a 3D intraoral scanner.
The professional thus avoids the manufacture of models with alginate paste, achieving greater speed and accuracy in the treatment while ensuring the comfort of the person.
Once the orthodontist has the virtual sample, he plans the movements to be made by each set of splints through ClinCheck.
This is a software developed by Aligntech that allows a 3D simulation of the treatment plan.
Its main advantage is that it allows both the dentist and the patient to see the final result of the treatment before it has even begun.
In addition, it increases the predictability and precision of the procedure and shortens the time of revisions.
The impressions are sent telematically to Aligntech’s facilities, where all the splints to be worn by the patient are made.
Depending on each case, the orthodontist may consider it necessary to place attachments on the patient’s teeth.
Planned orthodontic treatment
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INVISALIGN CLINCHECK
These are auxiliary elements that help the splints to obtain the micro-movements previously studied.
Change of splints
At each visit to the dental clinic, the patient receives different sets of splints that must be worn for an estimated two weeks.
When this period has elapsed, he/she will have to change to the next pair.
Each splint performs specific micro-movements that finally achieve the desired alignment of the teeth.
For the treatment to be effective, the splints must be worn in the mouth for at least 22 hours a day, so that they are only removed when eating or brushing the teeth.
In case the person forgets to wear the aligner and does not respect these times, the duration of the treatment will be substantially extended.
Refinements in Invisalign
In the event that the treatment is completed but the dentist considers that the result can be improved, it is possible to request new sets of clear aligners.
This process is called refinement and, although it is not always necessary, it allows the alignment of the denture to be fine-tuned.
In any case, refinements are considered when determining the duration of the procedure.
How does lingual orthodontics work?
As with Invisalign treatments, lingual orthodontics begins with a study and impressions of the mouth thanks to 3D oral scanning.
The specialist can also see the final result with the patient.
Lingual braces are custom-made for each person, so again, the dentist sends the samples to the laboratory so that the manufacturing of the dental appliances can begin.
Unlike other lingual orthodontic options, Incognito – from the 3M brand – is the only system whose brackets are custom-made from the patient’s mouth, making it a very precise treatment.
Incognito lingual brackets
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LINGUAL BRACKETS
As they are made of a gold alloy, they are much thinner brackets, which greatly facilitates the adaptation process.
In addition, it minimizes the wounds and friction of the first days along with the discomfort when speaking.
Problems solved by invisible orthodontics
Initially, orthodontics with clear aligners was only indicated in cases of very slight malpositions.
But over the years, Invisalign has benefited from a great evolution and is now able to correct alignment and bite problems.
Patients benefit from the esthetic advantages as well as its effectiveness.
Both Invisalign and Incognito are capable of correcting virtually any malocclusion problem:
Space closure (diastemas).
Crowding.
Crooked teeth.
Overbite.
Open bite.
Crossbite.
Only in a few cases that require pronounced movements of the dental root, Invisalign would be discarded as an optimal treatment for the patient.
Invisible orthodontic treatments solve practically any problem related to malocclusion and alignment of the teeth.
The advantages of Invisalign and Incognito
We already know that both Incognito and Invisalign are appliances that do not interfere with our daily lives as they are much more discreet than other conventional orthodontic methods.
But apart from their aesthetic character, invisible orthodontics have other virtues that make them highly demanded treatments in our dental clinic.
Comfortable and unnoticeable
Although the clear aligners must be worn in the mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day, patients can remove them.
This makes it a very comfortable treatment because, occasionally, it is possible to dispense with the splints for an event.
And not only that: there is no risk of the brackets coming off, so there is no restriction on the type of food that can be eaten during treatment.
This factor also plays a role in ensuring that Invisalign is the system that generates the fewest dental emergencies.
On the contrary, with any fixed orthodontic appliance we must be careful when it comes to eating sticky or very fibrous food.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid biting hard foods or foods that require excessive jaw strength, such as apples, sandwiches or nuts.
Oral hygiene
As they are removable, aligners are a much more hygienic method.
You have full access to all areas of your mouth and there is no risk of tartar build-up due to the presence of fixed appliances.
In addition, you can effectively clean your aligners each time you remove them.
Removable appliances are easy to clean.
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CLEANING CLEAR ALIGNERS
In the case of lingual orthodontics, it is advisable to make use of complementary hygiene elements such as interproximal brushes or oral irrigators.
This is the only way to ensure proper oral health.
Better adaptation
Although orthodontics itself does not hurt, it is common to feel some pressure or discomfort when adjusting the appliance or changing the aligner.
In this respect, however, Invisalign is a more comfortable method: it does not produce as many sores or wounds as fixed braces.
On the other hand, Incognito does require a period of adaptation, but the friction caused by the presence of the appliance will be minimized.
Remember that these brackets are custom-made and much thinner than traditional metal brackets or other lingual orthodontic systems.
Predictable results
Finally, we must stress the importance of the fact that both methods are highly accurate.
By having the possibility in both cases of seeing what the patient’s smile will look like once the treatment has been completed, the process becomes much more predictable.
The orthodontist knows, from the beginning, the movements that the teeth must make and in what time frame.
How long does invisible orthodontic treatment last?
The duration of any orthodontic treatment is determined by the corrections to be made in the dental arch.
Depending on the type of malocclusion a person has – mild, moderate or severe – the procedure may take longer or shorter.
As we have already mentioned, Invisalign is a system that is used less if it is necessary to make pronounced movements in the dental root.
Thus, a patient with severe malocclusion will have to wear the splints longer than if he or she opts for Incognito invisible brackets.
Lingual brackets
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INCOGNITO TYPE DENTISTRY
It is necessary to take into account the number of hours the person wears the aligners.
There are different types of Invisalign depending on how long the orthodontics will last, the shortest duration being the Invisalign Express (or Invisalign i7) aligners.
An orthodontic study is necessary to determine the duration of treatment, whether it is with aligners or lingual brackets, which can range from 7 months to 2 years.
What is the price of invisible orthodontic treatment?
Although invisible orthodontics has many benefits for patients who choose it as a dental appliance, they are more expensive than other methods.
That is why both Invisalign and Incognito are suitable systems for those who place aesthetics above price.
The material used to make the brackets and the complexity of the treatment technique make lingual orthodontics the least economical on the market.
Its price starts at 4,070 €.
Invisalign is the alternative to Incognito treatment because, although it is not totally invisible, it is a very discreet and cheaper system.
In our clinic we place the aligners from a price of 3.500 €.
Now that you know the benefits of invisible orthodontics, you can choose the method you like best to correct bite and alignment problems.
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