Invisible Orthodontic treatment

Introduction and benefits

Invisible orthodontics (teeth straightening and bite correction) is a collective word for orthodontic treatment options which are suited for adults with the main goal to not be seen. These include lingual braces and clear aligners. Generally, orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of the teeth, face and smile.

The aim of orthodontic treatment is to provide a straight set of teeth with good bite, which look good and function well. With straight teeth it is easier to keep the teeth clean. Thereby, potentially increasing the longevity of the teeth by improving the periodontal health.

Psycho-socially, orthodontic treatment has been shown to be associated with improved quality of life both in children and adults in several articles [1-5], especially among cases with obvious unpleasant smile. It can boost self-confidence and self-esteem both in children and adults.

Teeth straightening is not only for children

In the past years the possibilities for adults to achieve beautiful smile and straight teeth are so wide that it is possible to treat nearly all cases at all ages using invisible methods.

Previously, orthodontic treatment (orthodontics = teeth straightening and bite correction) was reserved to children mostly because metallic braces was the main method of treatment. For most adults, metallic braces is an absolute deal breaker and is the main reason why they refuse to start treatment. The first and simplest solution to this problem was the creation of ceramic braces. These are tooth colored or transparent type of braces which are much less visible when compared to the standard metallic braces. However, for many people, this is still not enough and they still find the visibility of the ceramic braces as ugly and unattractive. Fortunately, in the past 2 decades and especially in past years, 2 methods for teeth straighting were evolved and reached to the point that they can provide as good results as standard metallic braces without being seen. These 2 methods are the ‘Clear Aligners’ and ‘Lingual Braces’.

Clear aligners: Orthodontic treatment without braces.

These are a set of transparent caps which are changed every 2 weeks at home by the patient. They are individually customized to every single case and fitted to each person`s tooth anatomy (For further information about how it works and how they are prepared (click here).

With todays technology, clear aligners can provide treatment options to many cases without the need to wear braces. They are very thin and transparent so they almost invisible. However, in order to increase the control of the tooth movement in many cases, there is a need to add a tooth colored “button” which helps the aligners to move the teeth more effectively.

Since they can be removed, teeth can be cleaned without any additional special manipulations and/or brushes as well as allows the individual to eat whatever he wants without any limitation like braces has. They are generally more comfortable than any other methods for tooth movement and require less and shorter visits to the orthodontist.

There are nomerous different brands which provide clear aligners (“Invisalign”, “ClearCorrect”, “3D smile”, “K-clear” , “AirNivol”and many more). While most of those systems having a similar concept, the most important in any case and any system is the treatment plan which is decided by the orthodontist together with the patient. In many cases there is more than one treatment plan and all options are discussed and explained. The final choice of the treatment plan is always made by the patient.

Lingual braces: The most invisible solution with more treatment options

Lingual braces are braces which are fixed on the inside surface of the teeth and are almost completely invisible. The only person that know that you have braces is you and your orthodontist. There are many different lingual systems on the market and they are mainly divided into 2 main groups: standard lingual braces and customized lingual braces. The latter one (customized lingual braces) is the superior and most advanced solution in the market for teeth straightening and bite correction since it can fully control all type of tooth movement and by this it provides more treatment options, more effectiveness and predictable results even for complex cases which are not possible to treat with aligners. Some of these customized systems include: Incognito braces, WIN Lingual system and Harmony customized lingual system

“WIN system” is the latest development in this field and is probably the most advanced, precise and predictable system for orthodontic treatment in the market nowadays [6]. It is based in Germany and also as the clear aligners , is created individually to fit every individual tooth anatomy and situation. The main advantages of this method is that they are almost completely invisible, the alignment stage is very fast (which means that the improvement of the smile is visible in matter of few months) and it can be used even in more complex cases in which aligners are not recommended.

However, this comes also with some noteworthy disadvantages such as temporary initial discomfort and speech disturbances (usually last up to 2 weeks) and requires more time and skill to clean the teeth. Also, compared to clear aligners, they require more chair time for the appointments compared to clear aligners.

Treatment options: Can I treat only 1 jaw?

Very important to understand is that as we all look differently, we all also have different teeth, occlusion and problems and wishes. These differences create a completely unique occlusion and situation in every person. Hence, every case has a individual approach and treatment plan is adapted to personal needs and limits.

The main goals of orthodontic treatment is to provide a beautiful smile and a good oral function and health. Choosing to treat only one jaw might be cheaper and quicker but it puts a compromise on the final result and on the final occlusion. The occlusion and the smile is a complex unit which combines upper jaw, lower jaw, upper teeth, lower teeth, jaw joint and lips. To place all of these components in the right position in the mouth in relation to each other provides a more healthy, stable and attractive result when compared to a treatment which includes only part of the occlusal unit. However, In some cases, a compromised treatment option can actually be more valuable than full course treatment while in some cases it is better not to treat at all rather to choose a compromised option.

Age limits

Although these treatment methods were developed mainly for adults, adolescents can also be treated with aligners and lingual braces. Teeth can move in all ages even over 60 and 70 years old. The main difference is that in adults the tooth movement is relatively slower when compared to children and adolescents (However there are also methods to accelerate tooth movement, but this is beyond the scope of this article) and due to previous dental work, requires additional consideration and manipulations .

Start achieving a beautiful smile in just 2 visits.

The procedure to start treatment is fairly simple. In most cases it can be done in only 2 steps/visits.

Visit 1: First consultation – you will find out all you need to make a decision if to start treatment and with which method.

Whenever and whatever you decide to do, all the needed records are collected (can be done at anytime within 30 minutes – no need to make a special appoitment) and sent to the manufacturer. The appliance will be ready within one month and the second appoitment can be scheduled.

Visit 2: Installation/placement of the appliance

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