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Invisible braces Clear Aligners

Straight teeth and a revitalized smile may no longer need to come from a mouth full of unattractive wire and bracket braces. Enhancing self-esteem and physical confidence, invisible braces offer an esthetic and barely visible alternative to conventional wire/bracket braces.

What are Invisible Braces or Clear Aligners?

Clear Aligners is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. Clear aligners (Invisalign, Flash Orthodontics or I-Aligners) uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. Since the treatment involves clear/invisible aligners, you will not have to worry about the embarrassment that is often associated with traditional metal braces.

The Clear Aligners Process is Simple:

Clear aligners (including such brands as Align Technologie's Invisalign, Flash orthodontics, I Aligners) are a series of clear, removable aligners custom-fit to your teeth to provide virtually irritation-free treatment with minimal adjustment discomfort. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, minimally invasive and resistant to clouding from wear. With clear aligners, there are no brackets to come off or wires to break and poke. Clear aligners can be removed for eating, drinking and special events, making it easier to brush and floss.

Clear aligners are made after our dentist/orthodontist takes three-dimensional impressions or digital impressions/scans of your teeth and sends them to a manufacturer-specific laboratory that fabricates your custom-fit clear aligners using computerized technology and 3D Printing. These aligners are then returned to us to be tried on and evaluated for the fit andz suitability.

Clear aligners are provided in sets. The number of aligners will depend on your specific orthodontic problem. You will wear each new aligner set for a specified amount of time, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. With each new aligner set, your teeth slowly adjust and gradually realign to your desired smile. At periodic visits, our dentist/orthodontist will provide the next aligner set and evaluate your progress throughout treatment. Revision aligners are often requested at the end of the first series of aligners to correct any unfinished detailing.

Using advanced 3-D computer imaging technology, these invisible braces depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next, until the final position of your teeth is achieved.

Advantages of Invisible Braces (Clear Aligners) treatment :

  • Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
  • Since the aligners are virtually invisible, chances are no one will even notice anything is different until your new smile is revealed, of course.
  • You can remove your invisible aligners, so you can brush and floss regularly and keep your teeth and gums healthy preventing them from getting swollen or tender.
  • You can occasionally remove your clear aligners and enjoy a special night out.
  • Be yourself with invisible braces. Since it's clear, you don't have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
  • Continue to engage in the sport of your choice freely, while wearing your set. For high body contact sports however, it is advisable to remove your set, temporarily to avoid damage
  • With Invisible aligners, it's easy to make your smile picture perfect for that special occasion.
  • Clear Aligner appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.
  • Clear aligners demand a much simpler routine – just cleanse your aligner set as per instructions and re-insert it before you hit the sack. You are done!

However, since clear aligners are removable, they may require more motivation and self. discipline to wear consistently, and they are easier to misplace or lose. Lost clear aligners may result in treatment delay and additional replacement costs. While fairly comfortable, clear aligners can cause discomfort or mild pain, particularly at the beginning when new aligners are placed and exert pressure on the teeth to move them.

While invisible braces may not be suitable for certain misalignment cases or the complex bite problems that are better addressed by traditional orthodontics, invisible braces can be used to treat the following conditions:

  • Overbite or overjet
  • Crowded or widely spaced teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Gummy smile correction in conjunction with dental veneers

Invisible braces are designed for adults and older teenagers but are not recommended when baby teeth remain. Children and younger teenagers faced with orthodontic problems will require traditional metal braces with brackets/wires on the front of the teeth. However, only our dentist/orthodontist can determine if you are a candidate. The alternative treatment was designed primarily for adults due to the need for absolute and rigid cooperation; the "trays" are worn 22 hours per day and should not be forgotten or lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisible braces treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life.

For kids and teenagers: There is a discreet blue dot on the outside of the teen aligners. The more your child wears the aligner the more the dot fades away. This way you can be sure your child is wearing their clear aligners enough.

Total treatment time averages 8 -15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. Some cases might get completed in as little as 7 Aligners within a time span of 3 to 4 months.

The mechanical process used to move teeth with braces or clear aligners is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces/aligners alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.

For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Clear aligner treatment options are available for just top or bottom teeth, but consult our orthodontist for your individual needs.

You can brush them gently with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

Yes.That is why it is important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.

Yes. It is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. Please do not use hot water at any time on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic.

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let us know. We will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.

The cost of invisible braces is about the same or higher than traditional orthodontic treatment, which ranges from Rs.70,000 to Rs. 3.5 Lakhs. Your specific braces cost is determined by factors that include the type and duration of treatment, the system of aligners that will be used for your treatment and any other restorative work needed before or throughout treatment. Financing may be available through our payment plans. Consult our office to determine what orthodontic benefits you may qualify for.

Metal or Ceramic Braces

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If you have crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite (an underbite or overbite), there are a variety of treatments that can help straighten teeth, including braces and retainers.

At Therapeuo our braces specialist doctor (orthodontist) specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaw.

In some cases, a removable retainer will be all that's necessary. In other rare cases (especially when there is an extreme overbite or underbite), surgery may be necessary. In most cases, however, braces will be needed.

Dental braces have come a long way since they were invented in the 1800's. Today, we are privy to a large number of tooth-straightening options, each of which offers different benefits. Currently, the most popular types of braces used are:

Metal Braces – These are traditional braces most often seen in children and teenagers. Metal braces use a system of brackets and wires to move the teeth over time.

Ceramic Braces – "Ceramic, or "clear," braces are made of materials that are weaker and more brittle than their metal counterpart. Ceramic brackets are larger than metal brackets and require small rubber bands, or ligatures, (or built in spring clips on "self-ligating” brackets) to hold them to the arch wire. Because the ligatures are white or clear, they can stain. However, staining is not a big problem because ligatures are changed every time you get an adjustment (generally monthly). The "self-ligating” clips do not require retying with wires or elastics.

  • Also, like metal braces, ceramic brackets are not removable until treatment is completed, can produce irritation and discomfort, and may complicate regular tooth care, eating and speaking.
  • Because they are not as strong as metal braces, clear braces require a longer treatment time, since your orthodontist may need to apply a slower, more gradual force to ensure the strength capabilities of the clear brackets are not overtaxed.
  • Ceramic brackets also are usually more expensive than traditional metal brackets.
  • These braces work like traditional metal braces, except that the brackets bonded to the teeth are made of ceramic. This helps prevent staining, and they can also be colour-matched to blend with the teeth.

Traditional braces are more effective at treating extreme overcrowding than other options like clear braces or Invisalign aligners and are less expensive. They give our orthodontist the control needed to move the teeth in small increments at a time. The main disadvantage of traditional braces is the metal mouth appearance or the bulky brackets in the mouth which could lead to ulcers and difficulty in chewing regular food.

While less noticeable orthodontics like Invisible aligners (Invisalign, Flash orthodontics, I-Aligners) may seem like a better choice for those who are conscious of their appearance, today's braces are more visually appealing than in past years, with a range of colour options for both the brackets and the elastics. Wearing these types of braces (metal or ceramic) also means that you don't have to worry about ever misplacing your aligners.

How do Metal/Ceramic braces work?

In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bone changes shape as pressure is applied.

Braces are made up of the following components:

  • Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth with a special dental bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the arch wires that move the teeth. There are several types of brackets, including stainless steel and tooth-coloured ceramic or plastic, which are often selected because they're less obvious. Occasionally, brackets are cemented to the back of teeth, in order to hide them from view.
  • Orthodontic bands are stainless steel, clear, or tooth-coloured materials that are cemented to the teeth with dental bonding agents. They wrap around each tooth to provide an anchor for the brackets. The clear or tooth-coloured bands are more cosmetically appealing options but are more expensive than stainless steel. They are not used in all patients. Some people have only brackets and no bands.
  • Orthodontic Spacers are separators that fit between teeth to create a small space prior to placement of orthodontic bands.
  • Arch wires attach to the brackets and act as tracks to guide the movement of the teeth. Arch wires can be made of metal or be clear or tooth-coloured.
  • Ties are small rubber rings or fine wires that fasten the arch wire to the brackets. They can be clear, metal, or coloured.
  • A buccal tube on the band of the last tooth holds the end of the arch wire securely in place.
  • Tiny elastic rubber bands, called ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets.
  • Springs may be placed on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open, or close the spaces between teeth.
  • Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on brackets and are worn between the upper and lower teeth in various ways. They apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit of individual teeth.

Taking care of your braces

If you and our dentist/orthodontist decide that metal braces are the right choice for your orthodontic needs,
some things to keep in mind include:

  • Avoid foods that aren't braces-friendly. A few examples of these foods are:
    • Nuts – hard nuts such as almonds or walnuts can break the brace's wires
    • Sticky candies – sticky candies such as caramels (for example Eclair) or candy bars are off-limits
    • Popcorn – the hard kernels can damage your braces
    • Fibrous vegetables – raw or fibrous vegetables are a bad choice while wearing braces
    • Breads/Toast – these could be are too hard and chewy
    • Corn chips – or other crunchy snacks
    • Whole raw fruit – avoid fruits such as apples and pears
    • Tough meat – tough meat such as steak or pork chops or mutton
    • Peanut butter – along with other sticky nut butter
  • Following the installation of your braces, you must eat soft foods that won't irritate your gums, tongue or palate. After a few days, your mouth will become more accustomed to the metal braces and you can follow your orthodontist's suggested diet.
  • Brush and floss appropriately. Taking proper care of your teeth is always important, but it is especially true when you have braces. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep your braces looking good and help you avoid staining to your teeth.
  • Our dentist/orthodontist will recommend you use a special brush designed to get into the crevices and different surfaces in metal braces. It may take some practice to learn how to brush and floss around your braces, but it will get easier with time.
  • To remove additional plaque and food particles from your mouth, you should invest in an oral irrigator (water-pik). This is a small appliance that sits on a bathroom's countertop so that you can fill its tank with fresh water before using it. A wand like tip will emit the water from the water irrigator's tank with a moderate pressure that will dislodge food, bacteria, and plaque from your gums, teeth, and braces. This device is an easy way to augment your oral hygiene rather than avoiding brushing or flossing. Depending on instructions from our orthodontist, you might only use an oral irrigator once a week for extra cleansing.
  • Keep your follow-up appointments. Seeing our dentist/orthodontist regularly allows for any adjustments to the braces to be made and gives you an opportunity to have any questions or concerns addressed.

You will be wearing your braces for a fairly lengthy period, so it is important to follow your orthodontist's instructions and care for them properly. While braces may seem like an inconvenience, once the treatment is over, your new smile will be all the reward you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only you and our braces specialist (orthodontist) can determine whether braces are right for you. However, chances are you could benefit from treatment if your teeth are crooked, overlapping or protruding. Schedule an appointment with us for more information.

Our orthodontist will ask questions about your health, conduct a clinical exam, take a digital scan of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth, and order X-rays of the mouth and head (Full mouth Xray or OPG and lateral cephalogram). An appropriate treatment plan is made based on analysis of the gathered information and your preference on fixed braces (metal or ceramic) or clear aligners (Invisalign, Flash Orthodontics or I- aligners)

You will have certain dietary restrictions with most types of braces except Invisalign. Some foods such as hard, sticky and chewy foods, can have an adverse effect on braces and damage the brackets and wires. You will also need to make frequent visits to our clinic to have the orthodontic wires tightened. If you have clear aligners, there are no dietary restrictions, as the orthodontic trays are fully removable when eating. You'll also be able to switch to a new clear aligner tray every few weeks without visiting our orthodontist.

Our orthodontist will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure the braces are exerting steady pressure on the teeth. To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, the orthodontist will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of the braces. In some cases, braces alone aren't enough to straighten the teeth or shift the jaw.

Some of the adjustments our orthodontist may make (such as tightening the wires) to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, talk to our orthodontist about it so that we may be able to make the adjustments a bit differently.

The mechanical process used to move teeth with braces or clear aligners is the same at any age. So, the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.

After braces are taken off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Our orthodontist will want to take another set of X-rays and bite impressions to check how well the braces straightened your teeth and to see if any wisdom teeth have developed. If wisdom teeth are beginning to come in after braces have been removed, our dentist/orthodontist will recommend the wisdom teeth be pulled to prevent newly straightened teeth from shifting.

Your dentist or orthodontist will also fit you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made, removable or fixed appliance that helps teeth maintain their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems.

The use of a retainer is a very important part of post-braces care. Retainers, which are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth, need to be worn all the time for the first six months and then usually only during sleep. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. The reason why a retainer is needed is that even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift.

Did You
Know ?

You do not have to have crooked teeth to benefit from braces. Even patients with a little bit of crowding can benefit from orthodontic treatment. When the teeth are properly aligned, patients can better clean between the teeth, preventing decay and gum disease. Furthermore, teeth that are optimally aligned can help remedy complications arising from an odd bite, such as headaches.

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