7 Things to consider before signing up for Invisible Braces

With the popularity of cosmetic dentistry in Dubai these days, more and more adults are opting to have their teeth straightened. However, due to social pressures, they cannot always commit to long term use of traditional braces. To address this problem, various solutions have become available. Dental clinic in Dubai are aggressively marketing aesthetic orthodontic solutions, or invisible braces to straighten teeth. The question that arises in most people’s minds is – “Are invisible braces effective”. Here is a look at some things you should consider before signing up for invisible braces –

1) The type of invisible braces –  Which is most suited for your dental problem?

Invisible braces broadly come under 3 categories –

• White/ tooth coloured braces – or ceramic braces – which work like traditional metal braces, but are made of ceramic, so they match the tooth colour better.
• Lingual braces – or braces fixed to the inside surface of the teeth, rather than the outside.
• Clear Aligners – These are a series of removable, transparent plastic appliances that are made specifically for moving teeth.

Have you considered which of these may be the most appropriate of effective for your dental problem? Make sure to ask your Orthodontist in Dubai about this.

2) Cost

Cosmetic braces or invisible braces give you an added benefit of being less visible, or invisible. This added benefit comes at an increased cost. The cost of using these appliances is higher due to several reasons, including:

a) Special materials used

b) Additional training required by the orthodontist

c) Special techniques used – usually involving technology to fabricate the appliances

d) Added benefit of computer aided techniques to simulate treatments before carrying them out.

e) Longer appointment duration in some cases.

3)    Upcoming special occasions

Even though aesthetic appliances are less visible than metal braces, they may not be completely invisible. (Especially ceramic or tooth coloured braces). You may want to keep this in mind if you have a special occasion (like a wedding or graduation) coming up. Be sure to discuss this with your Orthodontist.

Solutions to this may include – removing the braces for the occasion, starting treatment early enough so that it finishes before the occasions, using the most aesthetic or invisible appliance possible, or using a removable appliance. All these have cost and time implications, and should be discussed in advance, to avoid surprises.

4) Cooperation / Compliance

Your co-operation is needed for all types of orthodontic treatment. However different appliances may demand different levels of cooperation. For example, clear aligners, like Invisalign, are removable appliances and will not work if not worn for 22 hours a day. Ceramic / Tooth coloured braces tend to be brittle, and hence more easily damaged by hard food. Know the demands of the appliance before you start treatment.

Whatever type of appliance you and your orthodontist finally decide to use for your treatment, remember that maintaining oral hygiene, following the doctor’s instructions, and attending appointments regularly are essential for your treatment to be successful.

5) Oral hygiene

As with all orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is extremely important. However, appliances like Invisalign make oral hygiene maintenance easier, while any form of fixed braces makes it more difficult.

6)   Discomfort

Tooth movement is always associated with some initial discomfort, and adaptation period. This  is more with some appliances, and less with others. Be sure to discuss this with your orthodontist.

7) Treatment time

Tooth movement is a slow process, as any movement greater that 1 mm a month has the potential to damage the roots of the teeth. Most of the aesthetic appliances do not significantly increase or reduce treatment time, as compared to metal braces. The time taken for the treatment is usually about the same, regardless of the appliance used. The exception may be the computer guided techniques, which have the potential of slightly reducing treatment time (however, this has not yet been proven by scientific evidence).

If you always wanted straighter better-looking teeth, don’t hesitate to consult your orthodontist about aesthetic orthodontic appliances, or invisible braces. Before you know it, you’ll have to smile you always wanted, and won’t be embarrassed to show it off!