What are Clear Braces Called?
For some years now we have been hearing about transparent orthodontics. But, in fact, what is it about? And what is it for? Thanks to the transparent device, it is possible to align the teeth without wearing those unsightly orthodontic appliances consisting of metal wires and plates.
This method is in fact based on the application of transparent and practically invisible tooth masks, tailor-made for the patient, and are commonly known by the brand name Invisalign. Invisalign are only available through your dentist, but there are other brands, such as Byte, that are available for home use. We recommend that you go to your dentist’s office for any invisible braces care.
These aligners are replaced every one or two weeks following the movements of your teeth, until you reach your new perfect smile. The duration of treatment with the masks is variable and depends on the patient's starting situation.
Before positioning the aligners, examinations, panoramas, and impressions are carried out to understand how the teeth are positioned. Then with a special software the dentist creates a precise 3D model of the dental arches. This model will reproduce the final result that will be obtained with the use of the dental trays. The same program is also able to calculate how many weeks are needed to obtain the desired outcome.
In which cases is transparent orthodontic treatment indicated?
This innovative and flawless aesthetic method is recommended in some cases of malocclusion, or when the teeth of the upper arch are not perfectly aligned with those of the lower arch.
The transparent device is therefore able to correct and resolve:
- Cases of dental crowding, whereby the teeth have little space to grow in the right direction;
- Strong tooth spacing, a condition known as "diastema";
- Cruciate bite, in which the lower teeth protrude over the upper ones (in normal situations, however, exactly the opposite happens).
Now that we have clarified what it is, let's find out together the advice of dentists to wear these invisible aligners with serenity and effectiveness!
- Wear the device as much as possible
The more time you wear the masks, the sooner you will see the results! As the dentist will explain to you, the optimal use is 22 hours a day.
- Don't be intimidated by the initial annoyance
In the first few days, the aligners can bother you and therefore you may experience some pain and soreness in the teeth. But you will have to be patient and try to get used to it! The discomfort will disappear after a while and, if you are constant, the aligners will no longer give you any problems.
- Get used to talking to the device
Initially, your way of speaking may slightly change and some letters, such as the "S" or "Z", may seem a little more accentuated than normal, which however also happens with normal orthodontic appliances. But after about ten days you will be able to speak much more casually.
- Remember to remove the transparent device before meals
Before eating, always take off your masks! And the same goes for very hot drinks. In fact, the aligners are made of a very thin plastic material and therefore a hot drink could change their shape, while chewing could break or scratch them.
- Do not smoke with aligners on your teeth
The smoke and other harmful substances contained in cigarettes, in addition to damaging your lungs and others, are an "enemy" of masks. These components, in fact, could change the color of the aligners, which would otherwise be invisible.
- Clean the clear masks frequently
You will be able to see some plaque on the masks. It's normal! Even if they are replaced frequently, it is therefore important to clean them. To do this, you can use a toothbrush (other than the one you use to brush your teeth), water and toothpaste. Try to use a little aggressive toothpaste and therefore without microgranules, which could scratch the plastic of which the masks are made.