Invisible orthodontics is a cosmetic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to invisibly straighten teeth. The aligners are changed approximately every two weeks throughout the treatment and gradually move the teeth into the desired final position.
This type of orthodontics is an alternative to conventional braces. Furthermore, since it is removable, the patient can take it out whenever necessary.
Advantages of invisible orthodontics
- These are several transparent splints, made of plastic materials, that no one will notice you are wearing to align your teeth.
- They allow you to eat and drink as much as you want during treatment without food debris getting stuck or caught in the braces.
- They facilitate better oral hygiene, as they must be removed to brush your teeth and use dental floss.
- They are very comfortable, they do not cause sores, wounds or friction.
- The process of adaptation of patients is much faster than in other types of orthodontics.
- They are custom-made for each patient, thanks to 3D virtual technology that reproduces the person’s mouth and tracks the evolution until the desired result is achieved.
- They produce fewer unwanted side effects after treatment ends.
- When indicated, the same or even better results are achieved than with other orthodontic treatments and in less time.
- Puede resolver prácticamente cualquier problema de alineación dental que exista, aunque se debe ser constante en el tratamiento para que tenga resultados positivos.
- They can be retired for special occasions, such as a special celebration.
Process and duration of treatment
Cuando se decide realizar este tratamiento, el ortodoncista toma los registros de las arcadas de la boca del paciente. Esto lo hace con un escáner especial o con siliconas especiales, consiguiendo así unos moldes bastante precisos. Una vez se tienen tanto los registros como el estudio personalizado del paciente, que realiza el ortodoncista, se envía todo al lugar encargado de fabricación de la ortodoncia.
A digital model of the treatment progression is created using 3D computerized images, showing the teeth’s original position and the desired position. This is done for both the upper and lower arches. Once created, it is sent to the orthodontist for approval, and all the necessary aligners are then fabricated based on this model.
En el momento en que los alineadores están listos, se entregan al paciente para que los use todos los días, una media de 20 horas diarias, retirándolos solo para comer y beber. El paciente tiene que cambiar los alineadores cada 1 o 2 semanas, y estos irán moviendo los dientes en función de los movimientos que tienen pautados y controlados de forma previa en su elaboración.
The patient has to go to the dental clinic every 6 or 8 weeks so that the orthodontist can monitor the progress of the treatment and provide the new aligners to continue with the prescribed treatment.
When treatment is complete, the patient will need to wear retainers to keep the teeth in their new position. These retainers can be of two types: fixed, which are a small wire placed behind the teeth; or removable, which are custom-made, transparent retainers.
The duration of the entire treatment will vary depending on the problem being treated and corrected. Normally, the treatment time is similar to that of traditional braces, although it may be shorter in some cases. Generally, the duration ranges from 9 to 18 months.
Precautions to take with invisible orthodontics
- When removing aligners to eat or drink, they should be cleaned before being put back in. The best way to do this is by brushing and rinsing them with warm water, or by using special cleaning tablets.
- Chewing gum is not recommended when wearing aligners, as it can get stuck.
- Tampoco es aconsejable fumar mientras se llevan los alineadores, puesto que se pueden manchar o decolorarse por el tabaco y perder su función estética.
- Although the aligners can be removed and put back on, in order for them to perform their function correctly and not alter the final result that is desired, it is necessary to wear them for at least 20 hours a day.
For whom is this type of treatment indicated?
Only a qualified orthodontist can determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this treatment. Virtually all dental issues can be treated with aligners, and some patients even use a combination of aligners and braces.
In relation to the dental problems that are treated with aligners, the most common are:
- Very crowded teeth
- Separated teeth
- Prognathism
- Crossbite
- Deep bite
- Open bite
According to experienced orthodontists, this treatment can be used to straighten the teeth of most adults and teenagers.
Can teens use invisible orthodontics?
Sometimes, teenagers have trouble undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces because they are not very aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a good alternative they find to this type of orthodontics is invisible aligners, as they help these patients feel more confident.
Depending on the patient’s age and the problem to be treated, the orthodontist will decide on the most appropriate treatment option and will assess the possibility of using special invisible aligners for teenagers.
La técnica de estos alineadores es la misma que se sigue para el tratamiento de alineadores de adultos, pero incluyen también unas características específicas que garantizan el resultado positivo del tratamiento. Una de estas características es que tienen unos indicadores azules que pierden su color con el uso, los cuales ayudan al ortodoncista a saber cuánto tiempo ha llevado el alineador puesto.
In addition, a number of spare aligners are included so that any that break or get lost can be replaced, depending on the pace and lifestyle of the teenager.
