Everything you need to know about invisible dental aligners

Compared to the 1980s, orthodontics has come a long way. Today, in fact, thanks to cutting-edge orthodontic treatments, it is possible to have a perfect smile and correct imperfections or malocclusions in a short time and without having to live with a very visible blemish when we smile. We are talking about invisible orthodontics, a completely new method for treating cases of misaligned teeth using transparent, ceramic or traditional aligners positioned on the inside of the teeth.

What is invisible orthodontics?

Let’s take a detailed look at what invisible orthodontics is. Invisible orthodontics includes all orthodontic treatments that straighten teeth while respecting aesthetics, making the presence of an aligner discreet and practically imperceptible. Invisible orthodontics methods are now the preferred solution for adult patients who, more than children, face the problem of showing up with braces on their teeth at work or in other social situations. With invisible orthodontics they can in fact straighten their smile quickly and effectively without having to accept an aesthetic compromise.

Types of invisible braces

Depending on age, patient needs and costs, there are different types of invisible braces. Primarily, invisible orthodontics is divided into fixed braces and removable braces.

Ceramic braces: these are very similar to traditional braces but instead of metal they are made of ceramic, a colour that closely resembles the natural colour of the tooth. They are very strong, adhere well to the tooth and are fixed with wires or metal arches. They are discreet but have the defect of yellowing over time.

Sapphire braces: with the same properties as ceramic ones but instead of being white they are a transparent crystal that adapts to any tooth enamel colour.

Lingual braces: these are made of metal like traditional braces but are placed on the inside of the dental arch and are therefore totally invisible. The main disadvantages of this type of appliance are the difficulty in pronouncing certain words and the frequency of cuts and wounds on the tongue due to the presence of contact metal elements.

Invisible aligners: these are the real revolution in invisible orthodontics, which arrived in the late 1990s. This method starts with a 3D study of the case with a rendering and prediction of the final result, followed by the production of a series of transparent braces with progressive modifications that must be replaced periodically to achieve the goal of aligning the dental arches. Their function is to move the teeth in a gradual manner following predefined steps and moving on to the next template with an established treatment schedule. The transparent braces are made of a robust, rigid polyurethane, a high-quality medical material. In addition, being removable, the invisible templates allow for better dental hygiene during treatment because they can be removed for eating and can be reinserted after brushing the teeth.