Clear Orthodontic AlignersWould you like to improve teeth that are too widely spaced?  Or too crowded?  Or crooked?  You can choose from orthodontic options for the best solution for different kinds of straightening challenges your teeth have, as well as the best fit for your budget.  You might be surprised to know that this is not just a cosmetic issue, but it has the potential to be a serious issue with your health.  Misaligned teeth can result in orthodontic issues like an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.  Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. The American Dental Association has said that straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health, and by extension, your general health.

It’s never too late to have straight teeth. Understandably, adult patients are often interested in straightening systems that are invisible, or nearly invisible, when they don’t want to distract from their appearance just because they are having their teeth aligned, making clear aligners a popular option.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a bit like metal braces in that a bracket is attached to the front of each tooth and then wired together. However, the difference is that clear or tooth-colored brackets (and sometime tooth-colored wires) are used to make the braces far less visible. They are a bit more expensive than metal braces and must be cleaned properly in order to stay “invisible.”

Invisalign

Invisalign Braces are almost invisible, and they have become one of the world’s most popular tooth-straightening appliances.  Some of the advantages are:

  • They are almost Invisible, hence the name
  • You can easily remove them when eating, drinking, or cleaning
  • No restrictions on what you eat
  • They are high tech with computer simulated treatment
  • They will not stain or damage your teeth
  • They are comfortable, no poking, pulling, pain, or bleeding from metal wires
  • They can treat: gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, crowding, crossbite

Unlike other types of aligners, this approach uses a series of computerized custom-designed clear plastic aligners that function much like an invisible mouth guard.  The aligners (a total of 18 to 30 or so) are replaced every 2 weeks, each new aligner shifting your teeth slightly, to gently and progressively achieve straightened teeth.  They can move teeth both horizontally and vertically, or even rotate them when necessary.  They use just the right amount of force in the right place at the right time.  They fit snugly over your teeth, but still, they can be easily removed to allow you to clean your teeth as you normally would and you might even keep them off for a day for a special occasion, although having them off for two hours or more sets back progress a bit. Invisalign Braces are also popular because, unlike metal braces, there are no restrictions on what you can eat.

If you are interested in clear orthodontic aligners in Costa Rica, fill out the “Find a Dentist” form on this page.  One of our patient advocates will reply to your needs.