What Are Invisible Braces Made Of?

Invisible braces are a group of teeth straightening treatments that are less conspicuous than traditional braces. There are different brands of invisible braces, and patients can choose between the options: ceramic, lingual and clear aligners. Each one uses a different mechanism to straighten the teeth, with varying levels of discreetness.

Types of invisible braces

The following are different types of invisible braces and what they are made of:

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces straighten the teeth with brackets and wires like traditional braces. However, the brackets that come with ceramic braces are transparent, so they are less conspicuous than traditional braces with metal brackets. Some options also come with tooth-colored wires, which helps to make the braces less apparent on the teeth.

Ceramic brackets are bigger than metal brackets and need small rubber bands, known as ligatures (or inbuilt spring clips for self-ligating brackets) to fix them to the archwire. Since the ligatures are white or transparent, they can stain. However, this is not a significant issue because the dentist will change them during an adjustment appointment. Self-ligating clips do not need adjustments with wires or elastics.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners consist of clear, removable dental trays that are custom-designed for the patient’s teeth from plastic or ceramic materials. When worn over the teeth, the trays induce mild pressure on the teeth to move them gradually. Clear aligners are almost invisible and resistant to discoloration. There are no wires or brackets that can break or poke the mouth.

Clear aligners are created after the dentist takes a 3D impression and sends it to the manufacturer that will produce clear aligners with computerized technology. After production, the aligners will be sent to the dentist for evaluation. Clear aligners are created in sets, and the number of trays will depend on the patient’s condition. The patient will wear the trays for the specified period before returning to the dentist for the next set.

Lingual braces

The last set of invisible braces is lingual braces. They were developed to meet the growing demand for discreet braces. Lingual braces are as effective as traditional braces without the aesthetic disadvantage. Like regular braces, lingual braces are made of brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. Lingual braces are different because they are attached to the back of the teeth (instead of the front) and are hidden from view.

Producing lingual braces involves the use of scanned images of the teeth to create unique, computer-generated custom brackets. Their location makes them the ideal option for patients who are self-conscious about wearing metal braces or clear aligners on their teeth. Lingual braces are fixed in place and not removable, unlike removable aligners that can be misplaced or lost.

In conclusion

Invisible braces were designed to make teeth straightening procedures less obvious. You can choose to get clear aligners, lingual braces or ceramic braces. If you want to know which option would be best for your condition, contact the dentist to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.

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