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‘No’ Braces, 'Invisible' braces No braces or ‘Invisible’ braces has become a popular trend for orthodontic treatment where braces cannot be seen. Who wants ‘Invisible’ braces? This type of orthodontic treatment may be more desirable for patients who do not want braces to be seen. How did ‘Invisible’ braces evolve? The ‘invisible’ brace technology emerged due to a need to provide esthetic tooth movement, without traditional brackets and bands. It is designed for fully erupted permanent teeth, using a series of custom made plastic aligners. The initial concept was developed in 1940’s by Kessling, and since then has become a commercially developed product. How does ‘Invisible’ braces work? ‘Align Technology’ uses a series of clear, rigid, polyurethane pressure formed ‘Aligners’, to incrementally move teeth about 0.25mm per day. The number of aligners depends on the complexity of cases (average 10-30 aligners per case). Who can have ‘Invisible’ braces? Case selection is important ie. whether ‘Invisible’ braces is the right treatment for your type crowding. There are advantages and disadvantages too, like cost and time involved. Each case is different. Dr Deborah Sykes can recommend if the treatment would suit your needs. There are certain types of treatment that respond well to ‘invisible’ aligners ie. slight alignment and crowding, spacing, minor tipping and rotations, single tooth treatments. How do I start a treatment? If your case is suitable you would need to have radiographs, photographs and study models taken, and a treatment plan designed for your needs. Then a commitment to wearing the aligners would be required. The laboratory then produces a sequence of aligners, which are given to the patient. Initial aligners are worn by the patient about 22hours per day for 2 weeks. Appointments are made for patients to review tooth movement after each aligner is used. Once the teeth are aligned there is also a retention period is needed. What advantages can ’Invisible’ braces have? ’Invisible’ braces are more aesthetic, there may be less chair time for the patient, oral hygiene/ is easier, they can be more comfortable, simple and easy to use. They provide an esthetic orthodontic option for patients who may not consider conventional orthodontic braces an option and patient satisfaction generally high. What disadvantages can ‘Invisible’ braces have? Treatment time may be longer, especially if patient compliance is poor . Aligners can be broken or lost. Costs of treatment may be higher due to added laboratory charges. Tooth movement may be painful 1-3 days after first aligner is used. Not all cases can be treated with aligners.w Who should not have ‘Invisible’ braces? Some patients who should not have ‘Invisible’ braces ie. patients with active periodontal disease, active joint problems, major crossbites, mixed dentitions, where restorative dental work required, skeletal abnormalities and other factors may contribute to this process being contraindicated for some patients. If you would like some more information - please contact Dr Deborah Sykes on 03 5331 9489 for a free consultation and opinion regarding straightening your teeth with ’Invisible’ braces
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