How Exactly Do Braces And Invisalign Work?
How Exactly Do Braces and Invisalign Work?
Braces and Invisalign both work to straighten teeth by applying pressure to certain teeth during a treatment plan devised by an orthodontist. Throughout both systems, the pressure placed on teeth works so shift them into a desired position, straightening the teeth and correcting the bite. But to understand how the two systems fucntion, you first need to know the difference between the two.
What are Braces?
Braces are a combination of brackets and wires attached to the front of your teeth. Braces are simply “handles” orthodontists glue onto the teeth. These handles transmit gentle forces by way of the wires to move teeth into a new position.
The orthodontic wires are “springs” that push gentle forces onto the teeth. These orthodontic wires are made of super-elastic titanium, and the wires contain all the positioning information to promote the outcome, or the orthodontist’s vision.
The positioning information comes from a 3-Dimensional plan of the final tooth alignment that the orthodontist’s expert knowledge and experience tells him is feasible.
What are SureSmile Braces?
SureSmile is a modernised teeth-straightening system, using 3-D software and robots to custom create wires for higher precision.
In Dr Wexler’s SureSmile® practice the 3-D treatment plan is created entirely by the doctor and can be then measured within specialised orthodontic modelling software. This software measures the entirety of each tooth, including the roots and bone, to inform the best treatment action.
It should be noted that in non-digital orthodontic practices the plan can only exist in the head and mind of the orthodontist. Hence, this plan is less tangible – being only an idea.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment plans are also created using 3-D modelling software to deliver a comprehensive and accurate model of a patient’s teeth and gums. The tooth roots and supporting bone are not however modelled in the Invisalign™ systems.
Invisalign comprises a series of clear aligner trays that fit over the teeth. Each set of aligners are worn for approximately 2 weeks before being switched out for the next set in the series. This ensures continuous pressure is placed on the teeth to promote steady movement.
The Invisalign treatment is a detailed and highly specialised method that requires a professional with many years of experience to administer.
What’s the Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?
The main difference between Invisalign and braces is the fact that braces are glued to teeth, while Invisalign is a “snap fit” over the teeth. To grip well, Invisalign trays usually need to be augmented with little hooks or knobs (known as attachments) to be glued on to almost every tooth. This provides an extra gripping point for the aligners and delivers greater precision.
What Kinds of Braces Are Available?
These days there is a wide range of orthodontic options to help you create a beautiful healthy smile, including the very popular invisible braces and Invisalign™.
These braces are much more efficient, less noticeable and far safer than even a year ago, using newly improved customisation technology.
Examples of these invisible fast braces include:
- SureSmile® Fast Braces
- SureSmile® QT & Incognito™ Braces
- Damon™ Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Invisalign™ Clear Aligners
How Long Will I Need Braces for and How Much Will it Cost?
Just as each patient’s teeth are unique; their treatment will be unique too.
The length of treatment will depend on how far your teeth need to be moved, and the difficulty of obtaining these movements. In some cases, treatment will take only a few months. However, others may take a few years to complete. The cost is based on this estimate of the amount of work needed by an individual. Only during an orthodontic assessment will an appropriate indication of cost be available.
We take into account such factors as age and health, as these will both impact treatment times.
Who Are Braces Suitable for?
Braces are generally suitable for everyone! Both children and adults can benefit from having their teeth properly aligned. It’s recommended that children first see an orthodontist for their first assessment at around age 7, to allow for any preventative measures to be taken before the adult teeth have erupted.
Adult orthodontics are growing in popularity. With an increasing range of options to fit in with any lifestyle, getting straight teeth is now easier than ever before. Adults can start their treatment at any age, and while their results may take slightly longer than teens, they’re guaranteed to enjoy the final results just the same.
Visit an Experienced Orthodontist for Professional Advice
Your best plan is to book in with an experienced and professional orthodontist for an individual consultation, to see what option is best for you. An experienced orthodontist will be able to assess your individual needs and lifestyle, and work with you to explain the benefits of each type of solution.
Geoffrey Wexler Orthodontist offers professional expert treatment and the most advanced braces techniques in Melbourne. Call us today or simply contact us online.
For our Toorak clinic, call (03) 9827 0188 or Frankston clinic (03) 9783 8577.
