What are invisible braces?

Invisible braces, often known by brand names like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, have revolutionised orthodontic treatment by providing a discreet and convenient way to achieve a beautiful smile. A visit to your local dentist will help you get the process underway, but you might be wondering what’s involved:

1. Customised Treatment Plan
   
   Your journey will begin with your dentist or orthodontist examining your teeth to determine whether invisible braces are right for you. There may be a conversation about your dental history and your goals, followed by impressions or digital scans of your teeth. Using advanced software, your local orthodontist will create a digital treatment plan that maps out the step-by-step movement of your teeth from their current positions to your desired final smile.
   
   

2. Creation of Aligner Trays
   
   Based on your digital plan, your dental team will create a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligner trays, designed to apply specific pressure to your teeth and encourage them to move. Each tray in the series will be slightly different from the previous one, representing a new stage in your teeth’s alignment.
   
   

3. Wearing the Aligners
   
   You’ll wear each set of trays for about 1 - 2 weeks, for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. With each new set of trays, you might feel slight discomfort or pressure for a few days - don’t worry! That’s a good sign, and means your aligners are doing their job.
   
   

4. Regular Check-ups at your local dentist
   
   You should visit your orthodontist or dentist every 6-8 weeks to monitor the progress of your smile, and to receive your new set of aligners. The number of trays and duration of your treatment will vary depending on the complexity of your goals. On average, treatment lasts from 12 to 18 months - but it can be shorter or longer.

How can my local dentist help with invisible braces?

Your local dentist is a guide, offering tailored advice on the best orthodontic solution for you. Navigating the world of orthodontics can be overwhelming - there are a lot of options out there, and your dentist can act like a beacon, illuminating the path by explaining the entire process, from taking impressions of your teeth to the final stage of wearing retainers to keep your new smile looking perfect.

Your dentist can help you understand the duration of the treatment, the frequency of dental visits required, and the general do’s and don’ts associated with invisible braces. They will also answer any other questions you may have about the process, and help you through any challenges or problems that may arise along the way.

The journey doesn’t end once the invisible braces come off. Retainers, typically worn after your treatment plan has come to an end, will make sure your teeth stay in their new position. Your dentist will be able to offer guidance on proper care techniques to keep your newly aligned smile in place, and they can also provide advice on maintaining your overall oral hygiene - a straight smile is nice, but a healthy smile is nicer.

How much will invisible braces cost?

One of the potential hurdles for people considering invisible braces is the perceived cost of the treatment. Your community dentist might offer competitive pricing, package deals, or even flexible payment plans to help lighten the financial burden of pursuing your perfect smile. Reach out for a consultation with your nearest dentist today, and talk about your options.

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