Have you ever thought about getting invisible braces, but just haven’t made the commitment? Find out why these state-of-the-art straightening techniques are worth the investment, and discover the difference a brand new smile from your Austin dentist can make.

Invisible Braces Fix Crooked Teeth

Let’s talk about misaligned teeth. Did you know that in the U.S., about 20 percent of people have misaligned teeth? Doctors call this “malocclusion,” and there are many different types that exist. You’ve probably heard the terms “overbite,” “underbite,” or “crossbite,” but there are lots of other types of malocclusion as well. Spacing problems, tipped teeth, or poor bite fit are just a few other examples of malocclusions, all which can be unsightly or even lead to more serious dental problems down the line. There are several methods dentists can use to fix crooked teeth, and one of the newest and most popular is with invisible braces.

What are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces are dental aligners that are very difficult to see, and in many cases, are virtually invisible. This is a big bonus for those who want to straighten out their teeth, but who don’t want the unsightly wires and brackets of traditional braces. Invisible braces typically involve a set of plastic aligners which the patient switches out every several weeks. Each aligner is slightly different in shape, and they gradually correct crooked teeth over time until straightening is complete.

Invisible vs. Traditional Braces: What You Need to Know

There are a few important differences between invisible and traditional braces. Let’s take a look at some ways in which these methods differ:

• EATING

With traditional braces, there are limits on what you can and can’t eat. That’s because certain foods such as sticky candies or very hard foods (i.e. whole apples) can damage the delicate wires of braces. Invisible braces, on the other hand, are quick and easy to remove, meaning that you can enjoy the foods you want by temporarily removing your aligners for meals.

• DENTAL CHECKUPS

Traditional braces require frequent check-ups to tighten or adjust braces and monitor progress. With invisible braces, you may only need to see your dentist once every six to eight weeks. Even though you may have your aligners on-hand, it’s still just as important to keep these check-ups as it is for traditional braces to ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

• CLEANING AND HYGIENE

As with eating, traditional braces require a special cleaning regimen to keep the braces themselves safe and clean. But with invisible braces, simply remove them to brush your teeth. The aligners themselves only take seconds to clean with your toothbrush and some water. In other words, your daily oral hygiene routine will barely change at all.

• COST AND TIME

One common aspect that invisible and traditional braces do share is that every patient is a little different, meaning that one person’s treatment won’t be the same as the next. This goes for pricing as well as treatment duration. For many individuals, a complete course with invisible braces lasts 11 months to a year, although treatment can be shorter or longer. Similarly, while invisible braces are typically comparable to traditional braces in price, your investment also depends on the complexity of your individual treatment.

Tips for the Best Results with Invisible Braces                            

When your Austin family dentistry practice prescribes you invisible braces, you’ll also receive tips on the best ways to use your aligners, as well as answers to some common questions. A few important tips include:

• Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day
• Change your aligners on-schedule as prescribed
• Keep up with your scheduled check-ups and don’t miss appointments
• Follow any instructions such as wearing a retainer after treatment

For many individuals, invisible braces make great alternatives to traditional braces and are simple and effective. Investing in a straighter, healthier smile is an excellent way to improve oral health for the future, and invisible braces have made this easier than ever. With a variety of insurance and payment plans available to patients, invisible braces are also more affordable than ever before.

You’re sure to find lots of dentists prescribing invisible braces in Austin, TX but at South Austin Dental Studio, our highly experienced and trusted staff and providers will ensure you’ll have a great experience from start to finish. Contact us today and see why making invisible braces could be your next resolution for 2017.