Types of Invisible Braces

Although no braces are 100% invisible, three types are considered invisible because they are usually not noticeable. Invisible braces can straighten your teeth well, without the embarrassment, discomfort or inconvenience of traditional metal braces. The following types of braces are thought of as invisible.

• Clear aligners
• Hidden braces
• Clear ceramic braces

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are invisible braces that fit over your teeth snugly. You can take them out whenever you like, to eat or to take care of your teeth. One thing that makes clear aligners unique is that, rather than being fitted for them once and then getting adjustments to the braces, you get new aligners every two weeks. Each aligner moves your teeth closer to the desired alignment. Because you can remove them so easily, they have very little impact on your daily life.

Hidden Braces

Hidden bracesgo behind your teeth so they are not noticeable when you smile. Your dentist makes computer images of the backs of your teeth, which the lab uses to create your hidden braces. You still need to get them adjusted just as you do with metal braces. They are fixed, so only your dentist can remove them, which is rarely done before the straightening treatment is complete. Although hidden braces do not detract from your appearance during the straightening process, they can make eating and taking care of your teeth a bit more difficult.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are similar in structure to traditional metal braces. They have brackets, ligatures and an arch-wire to exert pressure on the teeth and move them into proper alignment. These parts are clear, so they are not nearly as noticeable as metal braces. You will likely have some of the same issues with these braces as with metal ones, including difficulty eating and taking care of your teeth.

Because clear ceramic braces are not as strong as metal braces, they cannot be tightened as much during each adjustment. This means that the entire process of straightening your teeth takes longer. The good news is that you can have your teeth straightened without embarrassment. Many patients choose metal braces for their back teeth and clear braces for their front teeth to cut costs over complete clear braces