Thanks to new technology, you can now straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Specialty Smiles offers invisible braces as an option for those who want to get their teeth straightened without seeing the metal brackets. These private solutions have changed the way people think about orthodontic care, especially adults and teens who are concerned about how they look during treatment. Being able to get a better smile while looking natural makes the treatment more comfortable and gives you more confidence.
There are many types of invisible braces and each one is suited for your needs. Clear aligners are a type of invisible braces that use a set of custom made plastic trays to slowly move teeth into place. These removable devices fit snugly over your teeth and are almost impossible to see when you wear them. Another option is to use clear ceramic brackets that are glued to your teeth with wires that match the color of your teeth. This makes the braces look much less noticeable than metal ones. Both work well and let you feel good about how you look during treatment.
When patients come to our Miami Lakes office for a consultation, we take a close look at their teeth to see which type of invisible braces would be best for them. Not every option is right for every situation, so knowing what you want from your orthodontist helps us give you the best treatment. Some adjustments can be made quickly with removable aligners, but others need the steady pressure that fixed clear brackets give. We talk about your lifestyle, preferences and treatment goals to create a plan that suits you and gets you the results you want.
Controlled pressure is applied to certain teeth at each stage of treatment with clear aligner devices. You wear each set of aligners for a certain amount of time, usually one to two weeks, before moving on to the next set. Each new aligner moves your teeth slowly along a predetermined path. You can eat whatever you want and follow your normal oral hygiene habits because these aligners can be removed. But to be successful you need to wear the aligners for the right number of hours a day, which is usually twenty-two. Patients who have trouble sticking to their treatment plan might do better with fixed invisible braces instead.
Fixed invisible braces use transparent ceramic brackets and wires that match the color of your teeth to make them less noticeable while still giving you treatment. These braces don’t move around like removable aligners do. They stay in place for the whole treatment. They are always working to shift your teeth which may make them better for difficult cases that need a lot of repairs. The brackets fit in with your teeth so well they are much less noticeable than metal braces. Unless someone looks extremely close at your teeth they won’t know you’re wearing braces.
The process of getting fixed invisible braces is the same as getting regular braces. We attach ceramic brackets to your teeth and connect them with a wire that exerts controlled pressure. We adjust the wire tension at your regular adjustment appointments to make sure your teeth move as planned. These visits usually happen every four to eight weeks and last less than an hour. Our office is near Miami Lakes so it’s easy to make appointments without changing your regular routine too much.
No matter what type of invisible braces you choose you will need to be committed to taking care of them. When you eat or clean your teeth you take out your clear aligners and then brush and floss normally before putting them back in. When you have fixed ceramic braces you have to be careful when you brush around the brackets and use precise flossing techniques to get between your teeth. To keep your teeth safe and your orthodontic equipment looking clear during treatment you need to practice good oral hygiene for both options.
The length of treatment depends on how complex your case is and what type of invisible braces you use. It may only take a few months to fix simple problems with clear aligners but it could take two years or more for more complex cases. Fixed ceramic braces usually take the same amount of time as regular metal braces since they work the same way. We monitor your progress and let you know how long it will take at each appointment. Most patients see big changes in the first few months which helps keep them motivated during the long treatment process.
Because of the materials and technology used, invisible braces are usually more expensive than regular metal braces. To make each set of clear aligners you need to use advanced computer modeling and specialized manufacturing. It costs more to make ceramic brackets than metal ones and they may need to be replaced if they break. But many patients feel the aesthetic benefits are worth the extra cost. The ability to straighten your teeth without noticeable orthodontic appliances adds value that goes beyond just money.
We work with most insurance companies to help individuals get the most out of their orthodontic coverage. Many plans pay a certain amount towards treatment no matter which option you choose. However some plans have limits on certain types of invisible braces. We offer flexible payment arrangements so treatment is possible for those who have to pay out of pocket. Everyone who needs good orthodontic care should be able to get it and we make sure our payment plans work for people with different budgets and situations.
Some people want to know how well invisible braces work compared to regular metal braces. The answer depends on what kind of orthodontic work you need. If you wear clear aligners as instructed they often work well for mild to moderate cases. Fixed ceramic braces or even regular metal braces might work better for complex corrections that need a lot of tooth movement or changes to the bite. We help you figure out which option gives you the best chance of getting the results you want.
If you’re interested in trying out some clear aligner systems, Invisalign is one of the most well known brands in this area and has a long history of successful treatments. We help you figure out which system works best for you by explaining the differences between them.
We have helped many Miami Lakes patients get beautiful smiles with invisible braces at Specialty Smiles. The change goes beyond just physical change; it’s also about feeling better about yourself and having a better quality of life. We are proud to offer current orthodontic options that work and fit with your lifestyle. Our staff has technical skills and a real concern for each patient’s health and happiness.
If you’ve been thinking about getting braces but don’t like how they look, invisible braces might be the way to go for you. We’d like to schedule an appointment with you to take a look at your teeth, discuss all your options and answer any questions you may have. The first step to a straighter, more confident smile is to learn about your options and choose the one that feels right for you. Let us show you how invisible braces can change the way your teeth look while still letting you keep the natural look you want throughout the whole treatment process. Dr. Eddy J. Sedeño III, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist based in Miami Lakes, Florida, renowned for combining advanced technologic approaches with patient-centric care to deliver exceptional and lasting smiles.