2023-12-16 | Dr. Arimeeta Chakraverty
The Ultimate Guide to choosing the right invisible braces
  1. What are invisible dental braces
  2. Types of invisible dental braces
  3. Duration of treatment
  4. Difference between Traditional Braces and Invisible Braces
  5. How do clear aligners / invisible braces work?
  6. Benefits Of Invisible Aligners
  7. Ideal Candidates for Invisible Braces
  8. Cost of Invisible Braces in Kolkata
  9. Post Treatment Care of invisible braces
  10. FAQ about invisible braces

Do you want straight teeth without metal wires and brackets? Do not worry; invisible braces offer an esthetic and barely visible alternative to conventional wire/bracket braces. It helps you improve your self-esteem and physical confidence. As compared to regular metal braces, invisible braces provide more comfort and convenience because they may be quickly removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. They offer a great option to attain a confident smile without the visibility and limitations that traditional braces carry. It is very important to choose the right invisible braces in Kolkata, as they can either make or break your smile. Here are the complete details that you must have before choosing the invisible braces in Kolkata.

What are invisible dental braces?

As the word itself describes, invisible dental braces are the type of dental braces that are almost invisible to the naked eye. In general, it is difficult to predict if the braces are on. The term invisible braces has now become an umbrella term for several orthodontic treatment options, such as clear aligners (or Invisalign), ceramic braces, or lingual braces. Now, although they all are under the same mother word, there are differences between them. Let's know about it in detail.

Types of Invisible Dental Braces

Invisible braces are teeth straightening instruments that help from being ‘invisible’ (transparent), offering the wearer a more feasible tooth straightening treatment. There are three main invisible braces alternatives currently in the market, which include:

  • Lingual Braces
  • Invisalign (most popular)
  • Ceramic Braces

Each of these invisible braces offers unique tooth straightening methods, and you can discuss treatment options with our orthodontist in Kolkata at Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic during your consultation.


Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are positioned behind your teeth, and they work in a similar way to wired braces. The reason why lingual braces are becoming more popular is that they’re considered ‘invisible braces.’ Lingual braces still use wires and adjustable metal (or ceramic) brackets to shift your teeth into position slowly. They’re just placed on the back of your teeth to give the illusion they’re invisible (metal) braces.

Lingual Braces kolkata
Lingual Braces

Invisible Braces or Clear Aligners

These are clear, removable aligners custom-fit to your teeth to provide nearly irritation-free treatment with minimal adjustment and discomfort. Clear aligners are almost invisible, invasive, and resistant to clouding from wear. With clear aligners, there are no possibilities for brackets to come off or wires to break and poke. Clear aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and special events, making it easier to brush and floss.

Invisible Braces or Clear Aligners in kolkata
Invisible Braces or Clear Aligners

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are braces made of transparent, tooth-colored material. They work the same way as wired braces but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think clear aligners or lingual braces are right for them but who still want to straighten their teeth in an affordable way. These patients tend to be esthetically driven adolescents and adults.

Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less apparent and offer an affordable alternative to metal braces. However, You should know that these braces are also slightly larger than metal braces and can stain depending on diet and oral habits. They are not for everybody, but they remain a valuable tool in our orthodontic tool-bag.

Ceramic Braces kolkata
Ceramic Braces

Duration of Treatment

The duration of treatment depends on the crookedness of your teeth and the type of invisible braces you are wearing. Typically, braces are worn from 18 to 24 months, though they are sometimes worn for a longer time period.

While strong and better looking, ceramic braces often take longer because they are less strong than metal braces. Lingual braces also can take more time to work effectively.

The treatment times with clear aligners vary. For example, Invisalign typically requires 20 to 30 aligners for the upper and lower teeth, which usually averages nine to 15 months to complete. While for other brands, it may change. To get the average duration to straighten your teeth, you need to visit the dental clinic in Kolkata and get the checkup done, and then our dentist will let you know the invisible braces' duration required to straighten your teeth.

Difference between Traditional Braces and Invisible Braces

There are many differences between traditional braces and invisible braces. The list of the same is given below.

Point of difference Traditional Braces Invisible Braces
Visibility Immensely visible Almost visible: No one can easily notice them
Removability Not removable Can be removed while eating, brushing, flossing, etc.
Oral Hygiene Difficult to maintain healthy routine oral care Easy to maintain routine oral care as it is removable
Comfort Can lead to cuts and abrasion in mouth It is comfortable and does not cause abrasion
Duration Takes longer time to straighten teeth Takes relatively less time to straighten teeth

How do clear aligners / invisible braces work?

They are custom-made for every person and designed to move teeth in the correct location slowly. This is completed by digitally capturing impressions and processing the details using specialized software, where the future predictions for better results and straighter teeth are computed, and then the machine automatically custom designs the set of trays for you. On average, a person requires approximately 25-40 sets for complete alignment.

Then, the patients need to wear the aligners, which gradually shift teeth into a straighter position by putting pressure on their teeth. The gradual force adjusts the position of your teeth and their supporting tissues. Since the treatment is slow and constant, the process often feels more gentle and comfortable than other methods. 

Patients are fitted for new aligners periodically based on their teeth' adjusted placement and shape from wearing the previous aligners. Each set of invisible braces is 3D-printed and based on the patient's unique teeth shape. Patients must wear aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve desired tooth movement.

Benefits Of Invisible Aligners

There are numerous advantages of wearing invisible braces over traditional braces. Some of the advantages of invisible dental braces are: 

  1. Invisible & Stylish: The invisible dental braces are not visible, making the smile confident, and one can style without worrying about wires and metal brackets.
  2. Removable & Portable: Whether you’re eating or traveling, invisible braces can be removed, packed, and held with ease.
  3. Painless & Comfy: Unlike traditional braces that hurt and tug, our invisible braces are painless and comfortable.
  4. Healthy & Durable: Our invisible braces are made to last, and their removable element allows you to take better care of your teeth.

Ideal Candidates for Invisible Braces

Because the invisible braces are custom-built for a perfect fit, they are best for adults or adolescents. Straightening a child’s teeth is more complex. Young child and their mouths are still growing and maturing; the dentist must consider this when putting up treatment.

While invisible braces may not be eligible for certain misalignment cases or the complex bite problems that are better handled by traditional braces, invisible braces can be used to treat the following conditions:

  • Overbite or overjet
  • Crowded or widely spaced teeth
  • Crooked teeth

However, only your dentist or orthodontist can determine if you are a candidate. For exact consultation, you must visit the best dentist in Kolkata for invisible braces.

Cost of Invisible Braces in Kolkata

The cost of invisible braces in Kolkata can vary based on various factors, which is important for individuals to consider before deciding on a specific treatment plan. Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are a popular orthodontic alternative for those seeking a more discreet and flexible teeth-straightening solution.

One significant factor influencing the cost of invisible braces in Kolkata is the brand of aligner you chose. 

The severity of the orthodontic issues that need correction also plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Complex cases that require more extensive treatment and multiple sets of aligners may incur higher costs compared to milder cases. Orthodontic consultations with a qualified dentist or orthodontist are essential to assess the specific needs of each individual and provide a tailored treatment plan.

The reputation and expertise of the dental professional overseeing the treatment can impact the overall cost. Experienced orthodontists may charge higher fees for their services, but their expertise often ensures more accurate and efficient treatment outcomes.

Additional expenses related to invisible braces treatment may include diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays and 3D scans, as well as the cost of retainers that are typically used after the active phase of treatment to maintain the corrected alignment.

Insurance coverage is another factor that individuals should consider. While some dental insurance plans may partially cover orthodontic treatments, coverage for invisible braces can vary. It is advisable for patients to check with their insurance providers to understand the extent of coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Ultimately, when considering the cost of invisible braces in Kolkata, individuals should take into account the specific factors mentioned above, in addition to their personal preferences and lifestyle. Choosing the right invisible braces option involves a careful balance between the desired treatment outcomes, the expertise of the orthodontic professional, and the overall cost of the treatment plan.

At Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic, the price range varies between INR 50,000 to INR 4,50,000, depending on the brand of the aligner and the complexity of the case.

Post Treatment Care

Once the invisible braces are removed, you need to take care of your teeth as advised by your dentist. But the basic things that you must follow are: 

  • Take care of your food habits: Avoid consuming too crunchy food for a few days. Let your smile rest before going back to the crunchy snacks.
  • Do not forget to brush: Keep up your habit of brushing twice daily and flossing to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Not taking good care of your oral hygiene will make the treatment fail.
  • Visit your dentist: Just because you are done with your treatment and have the perfect smile you always desired does not mean you need not visit the dentist. Always visit a dentist every six months to ensure this smile remains intact.

FAQ invisible braces

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort with invisible braces. It is common to feel some pressure or mild soreness when switching to a new set of aligners, but this typically subsides within a few days.

Can I remove the invisible braces?

Yes, one of the advantages of invisible braces is that they are removable. However, aligners should be worn for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results. They can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Can I eat and drink normally with invisible braces?

Yes, since invisible braces are removable, there are no dietary restrictions. However, it's important to remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining or damage.

Do invisible braces require special cleaning?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Aligners should be cleaned regularly with a gentle toothbrush and water. It's also important to brush and floss teeth before reinserting aligners to prevent plaque buildup. How to Properly Take Care of Your Braces?

How often should I see the orthodontist during the treatment?

Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor progress. Typically, patients visit their orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks to receive new aligners and ensure the treatment progresses as planned.

Know more about: Dental Braces: Advantages of Invisalign

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