3 Awesome Types of Invisible Braces

The stigma of metal braces is known to create self-esteem issues for some patients. With the increasing availability of several types of invisible braces patients now have choices. Patients may select clear ceramic brackets, lingual (behind the tooth) braces, and Invisalign® to reduce the visibility of orthodontic corrective devices.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces are a type of orthodontic appliance made from transparent or nearly invisible materials. They are used to adjust and straighten teeth and correct different types of malocclusion. 

What Are the Different Types of Invisible Braces?

Ceramic and Sapphire Braces

These braces are identical to metal braces in terms of structure and operation. The only distinction is in the material. Ceramic braces are made of matte or translucent ceramics, whereas sapphire braces are made of artificially grown crystals. The clear brackets allow the natural color of the teeth to show, making them less visible than metal brackets.

Ceramic and sapphire braces are slightly more fragile than metal brackets. In addition to avoiding certain food types, you should also avoid foods and beverages containing dye for the duration of your treatment. Even though the surface of such braces is smooth, pigments can linger on it, and if stains become visible, the braces become more visible. They match the color of the patient’s enamel, but the braces are still slightly visible up close.

Ceramic: The ceramic is clear, allowing the color of the enamel on the teeth to show. The effectiveness of modern ceramic braces, combined with the doctor’s skill, enables you to achieve good results, successfully correcting malocclusion at any age. 

Sapphire:  Sapphire braces are an option for invisible bite correction with some orthodontists. The crystals in use to create them are artificially grown, making them completely safe and hypoallergenic. The clear design blends in with the color of the tooth enamel. Sapphire braces are even more discrete than ceramic braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are installed on the inside of the teeth, so they are more closely related to the term invisible braces. At Lucas Orthodontics, Dr. Lucas uses InBrace lingual braces.

While traditional lingual braces had a few drawbacks, many of those issues vanish with the unique design of the InBrace patented SmartWire system.

InBrace is still a bit more costly than traditional braces because the installation procedure is more complicated. However, InBrace is the first truly invisible brace system, completely custom-fit to each individual patient.

After the installation of lingual braces, the braces may irritate the tongue until a patient becomes accustomed to them. This period normally lasts a few days, during which the patient may have a slight lisp.

InBrace has one significant advantage: they are completely invisible.

Invisalign® Transparent Aligners

Aligners are created using a computer model that considers the initial data and the desired outcome. You are given sequenced sets of custom-made tray aligners and should replace them every two weeks with the next set in the sequence. They use gentle pressure to move the teeth into the desired position. The most popular aligner is Invisalign.

Pros of Invisalign

• Tray aligners are an excellent alternative to bracket systems for correcting certain types of malocclusion.
• The aligners are removable, which makes oral hygiene much more manageable.
• It is also an almost invisible system. It is difficult to see the trays on the teeth because they are transparent.

Cons of Invisalign

• Invisalign can seem quite expensive.
• Invisalign, although versatile, cannot be used for all types of orthodontic disorders.
• If one of the trays is damaged, obtaining a duplicate may add to the treatment cost or create a delay.

What Are the Benefits of Invisible Braces?

1. Efficiency. The structure that serves as the foundation of the invisible bracket system is a powerful force capable of aligning teeth accurately.
2. Stealthiness. Although not completely invisible, clear ceramic brackets and Invisalign offer lower visibility options. InBrace is completely invisible.
3. With 3D Mapping the Outcome is Predictable. For clear aligners and braces, the orthodontist will perform 3D modeling before their installation. The patient will understand the expected outcome better than in traditional treatments. 

What Are the Drawbacks of Invisible Braces?

1. Soreness. Some patients experience minor discomfort with all orthodontic appliances. The condition is generally short-lived and will go away within a few days.
2. Restricted diction. Lingual braces (InBrace) are on the inside of the teeth, near the tongue. As a result, some speech difficulty might be evident. It takes time to get used to the braces, but speech usually returns to normal after an adjustment period. 
3. Time. Treatment with invisible braces may take longer than treatment with traditional braces. However, with technological advances, most treatment types are very comparable in duration.
4. Price. InBrace is slightly more expensive than any other alignment correction system. The increased complexity of this work for the doctor is the rationale.

Do Invisible Braces Hurt?

No, invisible braces do not hurt. The only difference between them and traditional braces is that some patients report a slight numbness at the beginning of treatment. Some people even say they are more comfortable than metal braces.

How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost?

Invisible braces cost is comparable but slightly higher than traditional orthodontic treatment, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Various factors affect the cost, including the types of invisible braces installed, duration of treatment, the degree of malocclusion, the material used to make the braces, the dental professional, your dental insurance, and any other restorative work required before or during treatment.

The final cost of orthodontic treatment with braces is known only after an examination and diagnosis.

Find Out More About Invisible Braces

Consult with Lucas Orthodontics for your orthodontic evaluation. Personnel will help you understand the types of invisible braces so you can make the best decision for your treatment. Dr. Lucas offers the best services for people looking to discover their perfect smile. Contact us today to book an appointment.