Transparent, invisible braces (aligners) in Vienna and Linz

Are you interested in the treatment method of invisible, transparent braces, also known as aligners? As a specialist in orthodontics in Vienna and Linz, Dr Carina Wick will accompany you on your journey to a new smile. Book an appointment for your initial consultation now!

What are invisible braces?

Transparent braces are an almost invisible tooth correction solution in the form of clear covers that are placed over rows of teeth. They should be worn for about 23 hours a day and changed every 7–14 days. These so-called clear aligners can be used to correct almost all misalignments. Each new aligner differs slightly from the previous one to gradually move the teeth into the planned position. When designing and fitting invisible braces, our practices in Vienna and Linz work without impressions, instead opting to use a 3D scan.

How long does the treatment take?

The duration of treatment with invisible braces varies depending on the complexity of the misalignment. Minor misalignments can often be corrected within about 3–4 months. For more complex misalignments, the average treatment duration can be around 18–36 months. The exact duration depends on various factors, for example the extent of the correction and the discipline of the patient when it comes to wearing their aligner as prescribed. After treatment, it is important to use retainers to permanently stabilise and maintain the results achieved.

How can aligner therapy be accelerated?

A special acceleration device gives us the option of significantly shortening or even halving the wearing time of clear braces (to 3–6 days instead of 14 days of wear per aligner).

Who is a candidate for invisible braces?

Invisible braces are a great treatment option for adults of all ages, as well as teenagers and children under 10. Treatment success requires good cooperation, which means wearing the braces as prescribed.

What costs do clear braces involve?

The ideal number of aligners and the resulting costs for the respective treatment case can only be determined after an inspection. To make it easier for the patient, we always offer aligner packages. We look forward to a consultation to discuss your individual case (make an appointment here).

The treatment procedure at our dental practice

1. Impression-free with a 3D scanner

At the initial consultation, we record both the patient’s specific concerns and wishes and the requirements of the respective misalignment. For this, we take a scan of the dental arches, which eliminates the need for impressions. Next, we perform a precise analysis of the teeth, jaw and temporomandibular joints, as well as the patient’s facial symmetries and smile. A major advantage of invisible braces is the relatively good predictability of the results. These are visualised using a 3D computer model, which allows us to give our patients a rough idea of what the end result might look like.

2. Planning and smile visualisation

If you decide to undergo treatment with us, the next step is to record an x-ray and photo documentation based on the intraoral scan that has already been performed. This documentation is then used to create a precise plan for the desired result. In complex cases, the ideal tooth position is even projected onto a photograph of the patient’s face (smile visualisation in the simulator) to give an idea of the end result. This makes it easier for patients who are dissatisfied with the aesthetics of their front teeth and for whom plastic structures, veneers or crowns are planned at a later stage to get an impression of what could be achieved. This visualisation is particularly beneficial for patients whose front teeth are too small or who have gaps between their teeth, providing them with a better idea of what can be done.

Based on this planning, a 3D computer simulation is generated, which we then discuss with our patients. The simulation also shows the extent of the IPR (see below for details) and the location and number of necessary attachments.

• Interproximal reduction (IPD): IPD involves removing tooth substance, namely enamel, at planned points to a maximum extent of 0.5 mm. This is necessary, for example, to create space in the case of crowding in order to ensure that the teeth are aligned correctly. It is often the method of choice when you want to avoid extracting a tooth. We always smooth the reduced spaces between the teeth and treat them with a special sealant.

• Attachments: These small, barely visible, tooth-coloured plastic buttons are needed for targeted tooth movements, for example to turn a tooth. They are removed at the end of the treatment. The following video shows how attachments are glued onto the teeth:

If both the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the 3D model simulation, the transparent aligners are ordered.

3. Fitting the aligners

Some time later, the patient is presented with their aligners. At this point, any attachments are glued on and the patient is given special instructions on when to wear their transparent braces and how to care for them.

The following video shows a summary of the process:

Would you like a shorter treatment period? With Light Accelerated Orthodontics, we can significantly reduce the wearing time of your aligners. Feel free to ask us about it at the practice!

Which misalignments can be treated with aligner therapy?

Invisible braces can now be used to treat almost all kinds of teeth misalignment:

• for adults

• for children aged under 10

• for teenagers

• for minor misalignments

• for complex cases with or without surgical intervention

• for open bites with the modified Sato method 

What types of retainers are available?

As with any orthodontic correction of misaligned teeth, once the desired result has been achieved, it must be permanently stabilised. One stabilisation option is:

• Fixed retainers: thin wires that are not visible on the outside and are attached directly to the back of the teeth on the tongue side. These are usually bonded from canine to canine in the lower jaw or between and behind the four front teeth in the upper jaw.

Disadvantage: These wires are difficult to clean (classic dental floss cannot be used, meaning that more plaque often builds up in the lower jaw) and can come loose, which can cause unpleasant pain on the tongue.

Advantage: As long as they do not come off or bend, fixed retainers mostly keep the front teeth stable.

At our practice, however, we prefer:

• Removable retainers for teenagers and adults in the form of transparent covers that must be worn over the teeth at night.

Advantage: Removable retainers provide protection against teeth grinding and hold the entire dental arch in the tooth position. The teeth can be cleaned with no restrictions.

Disadvantage: If the retainers are not worn at night for a longer period of time, the position of the teeth may shift. Regular use at least 2–3 times a week or in some cases, every night is therefore essential.

Removable braces for children with mixed dentition

For children who still have some of their milk teeth, we recommend the nightly use of so-called retainer plates after the active treatment with aligners or removable braces has been completed. Retainer plates are braces that are similar in structure to classic expansion plates and are designed to maintain the shape of the dental arch. They should be worn regularly until a child has all of their adult teeth in order to maintain the achieved dental result. Once all of the child’s permanent teeth have broken through, a consultation will take place to determine whether further orthodontic treatment is necessary or switching to a transparent night retainer will suffice.

Invisible braces for children aged up to 10

This transparent orthodontic brace treatment for children with mixed dentition offers an efficient alternative to removable braces worn at night. The deciding factor for invisible braces for children is the number of permanent teeth that have already erupted (visibly broken through the gum). For this purpose, impressions are no longer taken, but instead, images of the dental arches are created using an intraoral scan, which then allows for virtual 3D planning.

The computer simulation can be used to visualise the expected tooth movements. The advantage of this is that individual teeth and groups of teeth can be adjusted more individually and in a more targeted way than was previously possible with conventional appliances worn at night.

Such advantages are particularly beneficial in the case of crowding or gaps in the front teeth. The clear aligners are worn for 22 hours a day, which means that misalignments improve quickly. This is possible because the aligners fit snugly against the teeth and do not cover the palate. As a result, your child’s speech is not restricted and they can also wear their transparent braces at school.

Given that treatment can begin as early as the age of six, it is also possible to take advantage of a child’s growth, even in the case of more severe jaw misalignments. In the case of mandibular advancement, for example, special mandibular advancement wings can be used to support forward growth of the lower jaw.

Only in Linz: check your entitlement to free braces

Is your child affected by severe tooth misalignment, also known as malocclusion? Our practice in Linz offers patients the opportunity to check their eligibility for free braces. However, please note that this option is only available for removable and fixed braces. To check whether your child meets the requirements, please arrange a consultation via our online appointment booking page.

Our Vienna practice does not have a health insurance contract for orthodontic services, but some health insurance companies offer cost subsidies, which must be checked before treatment begins.

From what age can treatment with invisible braces for children begin?

Treatment is generally based on a child’s dental age, but a good guideline is to start treatment before the age of 10. In addition, at least two permanent front teeth per jaw and the permanent molar (six-year molar) should be visible in the mouth.

How do invisible braces differ from classic removable braces?

Since the clear aligners do not affect your child’s ability to speak, they can be worn all day long, unlike conventional removable braces. Invisible braces should only be taken out of the mouth when eating. Due to the permanent pressure that the clear aligners put on the teeth, a better individual adjustment can be guaranteed. As a result, successful developments become visible more rapidly, especially in the case of crowded teeth, large gaps in the front tooth area and narrow jaws, as well as distal bites.

Invisible braces for teenagers

Aligner therapy is suitable for teenagers whose permanent teeth have fully or partially erupted (for example if a canine tooth is not yet fully aligned or in the case of large gaps or misalignments of the teeth, but also for gaps). It is mainly suitable for misalignments where the treatment approach aims to utilise a certain amount of growth, for example in the case of backward or forward displacement of the lower jaw, by using the aforementioned mandibular advancement wings or classic rubber bands (elastics). These invisible braces have been tailored to the special needs and, above all, habits of teenagers.

Advantages compared to fixed braces for teenagers

The main advantages of invisible braces compared to fixed (visible) braces for teenagers are better oral hygiene for healthy gums and fewer complications (no sharp wires or loss of brackets). Our patients also appreciate the independence that they bring when planning trips abroad (for school or work reasons, for example a semester abroad) or in the case of other changes such as starting an apprenticeship or university studies. The required aligners are simply provided for a certain period of time, and adjustments such as IPD or attachment changes can be planned in advance. If mandibular advancement is planned using mandibular advancement wings, the need to wear elastics, which is heavily dependent on patient cooperation, is largely eliminated. This makes it possible for teenagers to embark on their new phase of life without any problems and without being restricted by their orthodontic treatment.

All the advantages of invisible braces at a glance:

• Better oral hygiene

• Fewer complications

• Aesthetic benefits

• Independence when studying or working abroad or starting an apprenticeship / university studies

• Mandibular advancement wings

Please bear in mind that without reliable cooperation, even the most invisible aligners will not function properly. Complying with the recommended wearing time is essential for both adults and children to achieve the desired results.

Initial orthodontic consultation in Vienna and Linz

For more information about clear aligner therapy, simply give us a call or book an appointment online. Dr Carina Wick and her team look forward to meeting you.

Success stories from our practice

Treatment case 1 – prominent front tooth

As can be seen in the following case, the front tooth was adjusted using a total of 23 aligners (which means about 46 weeks of treatment). 

Treatment case 2 – open bite with modified Sato method

In this case, aligners and elastics were used to achieve a correct occlusion without oral surgery. Before treatment, the patient’s bite only had contact between the last side teeth. Accompanying physiotherapy is recommended in such cases.

Treatment case 3 – gaps between the front teeth (diastema treatment)

Closing gaps between the front teeth, also known as diastemas, is possible with invisible braces. The patient in the following pictures was treated in just under a year. 

Treatment case 4 – crowding

Teeth that are too close together often form niches that attract an increased build-up of plaque and tartar. For the following patient, a total of 25 aligners (corresponding to 50 weeks of treatment) were used to reposition the teeth. One of the pictures also clearly shows the retainer, the supporting element used to fix and stabilise the result once treatment has been completed.

Case 5 – deep overbite

A deep overbite is when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth. This patient wore invisible aligners to correct their deep overbite and slight crowding within 18 months.