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Invisible Dental Braces (Teeth) Information

Cost: Dependent on type and brand, between £3,000 and £7,000

Anaesthesia: None

For a full list of FAQs please .

Different types of dental braces are used to correct the position of teeth over time according to the particular orthodontic problem such as crooked, crowded or protruding teeth. Invisible braces refers to either lingual braces or clear aligners which are alternatives to traditional metal braces. To avoid the social stigma often associated with traditional braces, many adults and teenagers are now considering invisible braces. Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but are instead fitted behind the teeth so they are not seen when a person smiles or talks. Clear aligners, including Invisalign® are similar to a mouth guard and grasp both the front and back of the teeth; they are completely removable. The best candidates for invisible braces are adults or older children who possess excellent oral health. Lingual braces can treat severe orthodontic conditions but Invisalign and other clear aligners are usually only ideal for those people with mild to moderate orthodontic conditions. The cost of lingual braces is between £3,000 and £5,000. Clear aligners are often more expensive, costing anywhere between £3,000 and £7,000.

Invisible Dental Braces (Teeth) Information FAQs

With the number of cosmetic and functional concerns that can arise from misaligned teeth, it’s no surprise that the demand for dental   braces continues to rise. According to the National Health Service (NHS),  nearly one million people in the UK initiated orthodontic treatment in 2011, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when you factor in private dental services. major health concern if they interfere with proper chewing function or dental hygiene.  

Interestingly enough, dental braces are not a modern . Humans have been trying to improve the look of their teeth for thousands of years. Archaeologists have even discovered mummified remains with teeth that were "wired" with crude metal bands. 

It wasn’t until the 1970s that orthodontists discovered that adhesives could be used to fix braces to the teeth, rather than wrapping wire around each tooth individually. 

From this invention came the first "invisible braces" known as lingual braces, which served as an alternative for those who wanted their teeth straightened without the social stigma of visible, "train track" braces. 

Lingual braces, which are still in use today, are fixed behind the teeth and thus obscured from view. Over the past few decades, orthodontists have refined this technique and lingual braces still remain a popular, invisible alternative to traditional wire braces.

In the late 1980s other invisible braces, made from a translucent plastic began to hit the market. These braces were often ill-fitted, cumbersome and far more expensive than traditional wire braces. In 2000 however, a further enhanced system of invisible, removable braces called  was first introduced to the public. 

Using high-tech computer imaging graphics, is just as effective  as conventional braces, but without most of the pain or the need for quite so constant adjustments. As a result, Invisalign® and other clear invisible aligners, such as Clearstep Braces have become a popular treatment option for both adults and children. 

When it comes to orthodontics, you have a lot of options. If you’re considering invisible braces, the following information will give you a basic understanding of treatment. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual and the practitioner. Please ask a qualified dental practitioner about anything you don't understand.

Braces are a type of orthodontic device used to correct the position of teeth over time. There are types of braces, each suited to a type of orthodontic problem.  To avoid the social stigma often associated with traditional metal ("train track" style) braces, many adults and teenagers are now considering invisible braces.

The term "invisible braces" may be used to refer to either lingual braces or clear aligners.

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but are instead adhered behind the teeth – obscuring them from view.

Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal or ceramic braces. Similar to a mouth guard, they grasp both the front and back of the teeth and are completely removable.

Orthodontic treatment can take several months to several years to complete. Prior to electing treatment, it’s important that you ask yourself the following questions:

While invisible braces may not be suitable for certain misalignments or highly complex bite problems, they are capable of treating a variety of orthodontic conditions such as: