Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!

What Is Invisible Orthodontics?

Dentist Blog

Orthodontics has proven to be an effective way of straightening teeth and correcting tooth misalignment issues over the decades. However, one aspect of orthodontics that puts some would be patients off is the visibility of braces. Traditional braces are almost impossible to conceal during your day-to-day activities. This is why many patients turn to invisible orthodontics.

But what exactly is invisible orthodontics? Invisible orthodontics is a more discreet way to correct malocclusion. This is a great option for patients that want to undergo a course of orthodontic treatment without the whole world knowing about it. Invisible orthodontics comes in three main types: clear aligners, lingual braces, and ceramic braces.

Clear aligners

Perhaps the most convenient form of invisible orthodontics is clear aligners. Clear aligners are discreet because the clear, medical-grade plastic they are made from is difficult to spot when a patient places an aligner in their mouth. These aligners have a further advantage in that patients can remove them in certain situations, such as during meals.

However, of all the invisible brace options available, clear aligners require the most discipline because each aligner has a set duration to complete its preset tooth movements. If a patient takes their aligner out too much, that patient may then need to wear the aligner for longer until it completes its preset movements.

Ceramic braces

The most visible form of invisible orthodontics is ceramic braces. These braces look and function like traditional braces, except for the fact that their brackets are made of a tooth-colored ceramic. The wire that holds the brackets in place can also be changed to a clear material that is difficult to spot.

Ceramic braces are irremovable, so you do need to practice good oral hygiene to ensure that you remove food particles from under the wires and around the brackets. You should also avoid eating very hard or sticky foods while wearing ceramic braces, as these types of foods can damage ceramic braces.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces don't use clear material; however, they are difficult to see because they attach to the backs of teeth rather than the front. Lingual braces also don't use brackets to attach to teeth but rather a bonding material. One of the downsides of lingual braces is that they can irritate your tongue as you adjust to wearing them.

If traditional braces are too obvious for your liking, then find an orthodontist that provides invisible orthodontics like clear aligners, lingual braces, or ceramic braces.

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5 August 2021