A great smile is an accessory that is carried through every milestone of life.
Through school and graduation photos, wedding and career roles, it can make the difference to the aesthetic of your memories. If you’re ready to perfect your smile without any visible evidence, then lingual braces, including Incognito™ Hidden Braces, or clear aligners could be the appropriate treatment options for you.
These treatment options are most appealing to adults and those conscious of the interference of braces to their lifestyle. Some of these treatments can be used for adolescents or even children. The possibilities are endless, all it takes is a consultation to know for sure.
Lingual Braces & Clear Aligners
Clear Aligner FAQs
Clear aligners can be described as removable clear aligners made of plastic for your teeth. These aligners are designed and fitted according to your teeth needs. They are made up of two clear plastic trays shaped to fit your upper and bottom row of teeth, these trays are changed every two weeks which will slowly move your teeth until you are satisfied with your teeth placement.
There are many benefits to using Invisalign. Some of the benefits include:
- Compared to braces, Invisalign are much safer as they are not made with metal wires and brackets which can cause discomfort to the user but rather of a clear, comfortable plastic.
- The duration of treating your teeth with Invisalign is much shorter than other methods. Braces can take up to 5 years to correct teeth whereas Invisalign takes roughly 1 to 1.5 years to correct.
- It improves cleanliness, since the trays are removable, they can be taken out when you need to brush and floss as well as giving you the option to clean the trays as opposed to other methods of straightening your teeth which are usually fixed to your teeth.
Most dentists will advise that you continue to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment so that the teeth do not shift back into their original places, the same goes for Invisalign as well.
Your doctor will advise you after your treatment as to whether or not you need retainers for you upper, lower or both sets of teeth.
Cross-bite
Usually genetic in nature, cross-bite occurs when your upper and lower jaw do not line up. Aside from aesthetics, if the condition is not corrected, it can result in problems with your bite – making eating certain foods painful. The nature and structure of our teeth can also affect your speech and pronunciation. As this condition makes it difficult to clean all your teeth properly, it is a common cause of tooth decay.
Overbite
In this case, your upper front teeth will close over your lower teeth. This condition can be brought about by genetics, trauma or bad chewing.
If left untreated, cross-bite can result in:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Damaged enamel
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Speech problems
Underbite
Patients whose lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth suffer from an underbite. Like most dental problems, an underbite can be hereditary or caused by habits like tongue thrusting. The condition can result in:
- Facial abnormalities
- Chewing
- Speaking difficulties
- Tooth decay
- Loss of enamel
- Eating difficulties
- Tooth decay
Gaps
Although some are born with gapped teeth, spaces between your teeth can develop from poor chewing habits, tongue thrusting or gum disease. Problems associated with gaps include
- Crowed teeth
- Tooth decay
- Eating difficulties
- Toothaches
Lingual braces are an orthodontic treatment option that is attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth rather than the outer surfaces. As a result, they are not noticeable from the exterior and are a preferred choice for those who want to maintain a subtle appearance during their treatment. The mechanism behind lingual braces is similar to that of conventional braces, utilizing brackets and wires to gradually align teeth over a period of time.
Lingual braces can have a positive impact on speech. Although there may be a temporary adjustment period where the pronunciation of some words is affected, the improvement in the overall alignment of the teeth can lead to clearer speech in the long term. Additionally, lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them less noticeable to others and allowing for more confidence when speaking.
Lingual braces provide the unique advantage of being virtually invisible as they are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without having to deal with the visible appearance of traditional braces. While the treatment time with lingual braces may be longer, the result can be worth the wait for those who value the aesthetic benefits. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it possible for lingual braces to be more efficient and effective, potentially reducing the overall treatment time.
Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners that has become well-known and popular over the years. Invisalign is a type of clear aligner system that uses custom-made clear plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. The trays are nearly invisible when worn and are designed to be worn for 20-22 hours per day, with the patient switching to a new set of trays every two weeks.
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Clear aligners, on the other hand, refer to a broader category of orthodontic treatment that includes various brands and types of clear plastic aligners. Clear aligners are similar to Invisalign in that they are clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into proper alignment. However, different brands of clear aligners may have slightly different features and treatment protocols.
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Contact us today to find out which best suit your needs.
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