Author: Dr. Jiah Pe Llamado

Attended the University of the East Manila College of Dentistry, graduating in 2016. Since then, she has attended an esthetic course in dentistry held by New York University, and has completed the Postgraduate Course in Implants by the Gerochi Dental and Implant Center. In addition to serving as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Evident, Dr. Llamado is also taking her Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, where she is slated to graduate by 2023.

Aesthetic Health

Transparent Braces: The Solution for Discreet & Effective Teeth Alignment

Post author By Dr. Jiah Pe Llamado
Post date August 9, 2022
No Comments on Transparent Braces: The Solution for Discreet & Effective Teeth Alignment

Teeth alignment is a process, and it doesn’t happen overnight. With traditional metal braces, it becomes very obvious once you begin your course of alignment, with all the wires and metal suddenly installed in your mouth. This can take a toll on your self-esteem and confidence when in social situations. This is where transparent braces come in.

Modern dentistry has found ways to work around. and in some cases, eliminate the visual awkwardness that comes with metal braces almost completely. Traditional metal braces, while still the most common of teeth alignment methods, are no longer the only option if you want perfectly aligned pearly whites. Read on to learn more about the different types of invisible braces and find out which option is the best for you.

What are the different types of invisible braces?

In the market today, there are different types of invisible braces available depending on the dental provider you choose to approach. These methods all vary in terms of effectiveness, discreetness, and price points. Below are some of the most popular ways to align your teeth without a jarring change in appearance.

Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces are the most similar to traditional braces, but the key difference is that they are made from ceramic rather than metal. This change in material means a change in the appearance of your braces: using ceramic that is much closer to the natural color of your teeth minimizes their appearance and eliminates some of the “metal mouth” look. However, this change in material also means a change in price point, as ceramic is more expensive than metal. Some ceramic braces also still work in tandem with metal wires, which means that they are still quite visible to the people around you.

Lingual Braces – Lingual braces, also sometimes referred to as inside braces, are considered “invisible” not because of the material used but rather because of their placement in your mouth. Lingual braces are often made with the same material as metal braces, so they tend to be less expensive than ceramic braces. These are placed along your dental arch behind your teeth, making it difficult to tell that you are wearing them. However, the downside to lingual braces is that they are considered less effective than traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. Beginning your treatment with lingual braces means that you might need to keep them on for longer. Also, keeping them clean is even more difficult than regular braces.

Transparent braces – Transparent braces or clear aligners are the most unique and innovative way to straighten teeth. Rather than permanently attaching orthodontic gear to your teeth, transparent braces are sets of clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth – aligning them throughout the course of treatment in the most discreet and inconspicuous way. Clear braces are also removable, which means that you can eat, drink, and maintain your oral hygiene routine with less hassle. Unlike with traditional metal braces, there are no food restrictions with transparent braces. They are far easier to clean and maintain and with proper compliance to your treatment plan, transparent braces can align your teeth much quicker than other methods of teeth alignment.

How long do I have to wear transparent braces?

The question of how long you need to wear transparent braces can be answered in two ways: the amount of time you would need to wear them throughout the day, and how long it would take for you to complete your treatment and achieve perfectly aligned teeth.

How long should I wear my transparent braces per day?

Most dental providers recommend that you wear your aligners for most hours of the day. In the case of ALINA aligners, we recommend that you wear them at least 22 hours a day, for best results. However, you can (and should!) take them out to eat and drink, or when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth. If a professional or personal situation arises where you would be more comfortable and confident without your aligners, you can take them out for a short time, but put them back in right away when possible.

How long until I don’t have to wear my transparent braces anymore?

Because all smiles are unique, how long your treatment time with transparent braces will last also depends on how much your teeth need to be moved or rotated. Treatment for relatively simple cases can take less than a year, but may take up to two years or more for severely misaligned teeth. However, because transparent braces fit over your teeth and apply pressure throughout your whole dental arch, treatment time with aligners is often much shorter than with lingual braces or even metal braces. Adults who needed braces as children and whose teeth have become slightly misaligned over the years may need invisible teeth aligners for as little as 10 weeks.

When selecting your provider, choose one that gives you the ability to truly uncover your smile. Philippines dental clinics provide several options, so it is crucial to do your research before finding the right fit for you.

How much is the cost of transparent braces?

You might spend around PhP180,000 for a set of ALINA aligners. That may sound like quite a bit more than traditional metal braces, but that’s because of the expertise required and the material used for the aligners themselves. Invisible braces prices depend on your case, how long treatment is required, and the number of sets of aligners you might need for the course of your alignment. All this considered, transparent braces are still a worthwhile investment in order for you to get the smile of your dreams and boost your confidence.

Where can I get transparent braces?

There are quite a few options for transparent braces available on the market, so it is important to consider the quality of materials used as well as the caliber of the clinic you might choose. The best providers will consider your case as unique and provide you with treatment that is customized to cater to you and your needs. With ALINA, dentists not only consider your teeth but also the way that your smile fits in harmony with your facial structure. The results speak for themselves, giving you a more cohesive and harmonious look. Find out more about our holistic and innovative approach to teeth alignment by visiting our how ALINA Works pages.

Conclusion

Dental treatments and methods of teeth alignment have evolved throughout the years, and innovation means solving the problems of the past in our pursuit of a great smile. Now, attaining a smile that you’re proud of doesn’t require you to bear years and years of your treatment impacting your appearance and confidence. With transparent braces, you’re free to live your life as you always have, all while getting you closer to achieving perfectly aligned pearly whites. Begin uncovering your smile today and book a consult with ALINA.

Health

5 Things You Need to Know about Clear Braces

Post author By Dr. Jiah Pe Llamado
Post date August 4, 2022
No Comments on 5 Things You Need to Know about Clear Braces

Hand holding invisible braces for adults

While braces made out of metal wires and brackets may have been the standard for teeth straightening since their invention in 1819, many people who have used them have expressed dissatisfaction with them. Much of this dissatisfaction stems from their look: No one actually likes the look of having a mouth full of wires and brackets that interrupt an otherwise lovely smile.

In response, orthodontists have developed clear braces and a host of other orthodontic appliances that work just as well as traditional braces, but aren’t as, ahem, distracting. Here’s what you need to know about them.

What are Clear Braces?

Clear braces work just like conventional metal braces; that is, they use wires and brackets that are under constant tension to move teeth slowly into their proper position. However, clear braces are made from transparent plastics, clear wires, and sometimes from ceramics as well.

By carefully placing the brackets on the teeth and tightening the wires, your orthodontist can cause your teeth to move in any direction until they’re properly aligned. Typically, those who wear braces usually have them in for between 18 and 24 months, although this depends on the severity of the case.

Also, anyone looking for a more understated tooth straightening option may want to explore clear plastic aligners. These are custom-made metal trays that fit on top of and around the teeth, slowly spacing them and moving them into better position. These will be discussed more in the following section.

What are the different types of clear braces?

If we’re using “clear braces” as an umbrella term for all kinds of orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth but are difficult to see, then there are several kinds of clear braces. These differ in the materials they’re made from and how they’re designed to work, but all of them straighten teeth and are meant to be less obvious than traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces

We’ve discussed ceramic braces pretty extensively so far, but some other things that you should know about them: The brackets that are used for these braces tend to be a bit smaller than metal ones, and since they’re also close in color to the teeth themselves, they’re much less conspicuous than metal braces. They usually feature metal wires, but certain designs may have white wires that are less visible. Finally, the bonding agent used to affix the ceramic brackets is usually gentler than the substance used for metal ones, so removing them is a bit easier.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are more or less identical to metal braces in every way, except for one major difference: While metal braces have brackets that are affixed to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are affixed to the back of the teeth, in the interior of the mouth. These aren’t technically “clear” braces, but they do serve the same purpose and fulfill the same objectives that clear braces do. However, these can be difficult to clean, and because they’re close to the soft tissues of the palate and the underside of the tongue, they can cause mouth wounds and sores more frequently.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners have become the popular choice for people who want versatility and subtlety while also achieving great-looking results when it comes to straightening their teeth. These are made from a high-tech plastic that has just the right balance of rigidity and flexibility, fitting snugly around the teeth to move them into their proper positions slowly and gently. The whole treatment plan features a series of trays that the user swaps out about every week or so.

What are the reasons to choose clear braces?

Clear braces, aligners, and even lingual braces provide some definite advantages over traditional braces

1. Clear braces can give you a boost in confidence

Let’s face it: Metal braces are kind of a buzzkill. They’re very conspicuous and can cause users to feel self-conscious about speaking or appearing in public. This can become complicated, especially for employed people who have to make presentations or take meetings regularly.

Clear braces do away with all that awkwardness. They can even give users a shot of confidence, knowing that they can look their best while also working towards creating their most beautiful smile.

2. Clear braces produce great results

While clear braces are a subtler option than traditional ones, this doesn’t mean they aren’t effective at repairing almost every tooth alignment issue. The truth is, they work just as well at fixing common orthodontic issues, including gaps, overcrowding, overbites, and underbites.

3. Better oral health overall

Having straighter teeth has many other oral health benefits and isn’t done just for aesthetic purposes. Keeping teeth from crowding and eventually grinding into one another prevents them from wearing away. Reducing the gaps between them decreases the likelihood of food particles getting trapped between teeth and developing cavities.

How much is clear braces in the Philippines?

Clear braces, aligners, and lingual braces all have different price points in the Philippines. For clear or ceramic braces, these often cost more than traditional braces, as the material needed for them is more expensive than the materials used for metal braces. Expect to spend between Php 80,000 and Php100,000 for ceramic or clear braces.

Clear aligners are the top-shelf item among the three clear braces options we’ve discussed here, and can cost up to Php250,000 or more, depending on how complex the case is. Thankfully, with ALINA aligners, you can get flexible payment options that will help you manage your costs.

Finally, lingual braces are often difficult to adjust and install, and require specialized training on the part of the orthodontist to put in. These can cost Php 80,000 or more.

Invisible braces prices definitely vary greatly, so choose the best one for you and your lifestyle.

Invisible Braces and ALINA

ALINA Invisible Braces are different from all other designs of invisible braces and aligners. Our designs start with AlinaSmile technology, a 3D scan of the entire head and face that considers all features to determine the patient’s most beautiful smile. Then, the trays are molded out of space-age materials to move the teeth into their ideal position. Over a million people in the US and Canada have been able to uncover their smiles with the help of ALINA, and now, Filipinos can start uncovering theirs too. This is just an overview of how ALINA works.

Book a consult today and get started on your journey to your most beautiful smile today!