The transparent, invisible braces in Vienna & Linz

Are you interested in the treatment method of invisible or transparent braces? As a specialist dentist for orthodontics in Vienna and Linz, Dr Carina Wick will accompany you on the way to your new smile. Feel free to make an appointment for an initial consultation!

What are invisible braces?

Transparent braces are an almost invisible way of correcting teeth in the form of transparent splints that are attached to the rows of teeth. These should be worn for approx. 23 hours a day and changed every 7-14 days. These so-called aligners can be used to correct almost all tooth misalignments. As each aligner differs slightly from the previous one, the teeth are moved to the planned position. In our practices in Vienna and Linz, by the way, we work without impressions, i.e. using 3D scanning.

How long does the treatment take?

The duration of treatment with invisible braces varies depending on the complexity of the misaligned teeth. Minor misalignments can often be corrected within around 3-4 months. For more complex misalignments, the average duration of treatment can be around 18 to 36 months. The exact duration depends on various factors, such as the extent of the correction and the patient's discipline in wearing the aligners. After treatment, it is important to stabilise the result permanently using retainers in order to maintain the results achieved.

How to speed up aligner therapy

Using a special acceleration device, we are able to significantly shorten or even halve the wearing time of clear braces (3-6 days instead of 14 days per brace).

For whom are invisible braces suitable?

Invisible braces are a wonderful treatment option for adults of all ages as well as teenagers and children under the age of 10. Good co-operation is important for the success of the treatment, hence the reliable wearing of the braces.

Costs for invisible braces

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

This is how treatment at our dental practice works

1. Impression-free with 3D scanner

During the initial consultation, we record the patient's particular concerns and wishes or the requirements of the respective malocclusion. For this purpose, we make an impression-free scan of the dental arches. We then analyse the teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints as well as the facial symmetry and smile in detail. A major advantage of invisible braces is the relatively good predictability of the results. These are visualised using a 3D computer model. This allows us to give our patients a rough idea of what the final result might look like.

2. Planning and smile visualisation

If you decide to undergo treatment with us, the next step is to create an X-ray and photo documentation based on the intraoral scan that has already been taken, which we use to create a precise plan of the desired result. In complex cases, the ideal tooth position is even projected onto a photo of the patient's face (smile visualisation in the simulator) to give an idea of the final result. This makes it easier for patients who are unhappy with their anterior aesthetics and for whom resin build-ups, veneers or crowns are planned later to get an impression of what would be possible. This visualisation provides a better idea, especially for patients who have anterior teeth that are too small or gaps between the teeth.

A 3D computer simulation is generated on the basis of this planning, which we discuss with our patients. This also shows the extent of the ASR (see below for details) as well as the position and number of necessary attachments.

• ASR or approximal enamel reduction: Tooth substance is removed in planned areas 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 correct alignment of the teeth. This is often the method of choice if you want to avoid having a tooth extracted. The reduced interdental spaces are always smoothed by us and treated with a special sealant.
• Attachments: Small, barely visible, tooth-coloured plastic buttons. They are needed for specific tooth movements, for example to rotate a tooth. They are removed at the end of the treatment. This is how the attachments are bonded:

Once the 3D model simulation is satisfactory for the dentist and patient, the transparent dental splints are ordered.

3. Fitting of the aligners

Some time later, the aligners are handed over together with the bonding of the attachments and special instructions on wearing time and care.

The video shows a summary of the procedure:

Would you like a shorter treatment time? Light accelerated orthodontics - accelerated orthodontics - allows us to significantly reduce the wearing time of the splints. Feel free to talk to us about this in the practice!

Which malocclusions can be treated with aligner therapy?

Almost all malocclusions can now be treated with invisible braces:

• for adults
• for children under 10 years
• for teenagers
• for minor misaligned teeth
• for complex cases without or with surgical intervention
• for an open bite with the modified Sato method

What types of retainers are there?

As with any orthodontic correction of misaligned teeth, once the desired result has been achieved, it must be permanently stabilised. Either

• fixed retainers, i.e. thin wires that are not visible from the outside and are attached directly to the tooth on the tongue side. These are usually bonded from canine to canine in the lower jaw or in the upper jaw on the inside between the 4 front teeth.
  
  Disadvantage: These wires are difficult to clean (classic dental floss cannot be used, more frequent deposits of plaque in the lower jaw) and can come loose, which can lead to unpleasant pain on the tongue.
  
  Advantage: as long as they do not come off and do not bend, they keep the front teeth largely stable

In our practice we favour

• removable retainers for teenagers and adults in the form of transparent splints that have to be worn at night.
  
  Advantage: protection against grinding, the entire dental arch is held in the tooth position. Teeth can be cleaned without restriction.
  
  Disadvantage: if they are not worn at night for a longer period of time, the position of the teeth may change. 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 are still changing teeth, we recommend using so-called retainer plates at night once active treatment with aligners or removable braces has been completed. These are braces that are similar in design to classic expansion plates and are designed to maintain the shape of the dental arch. These should then be worn regularly until the completion of the change of teeth in order to maintain the achieved dental result. As soon as all the permanent teeth have erupted, it is then decided whether further orthodontic treatment is necessary or whether you should simply switch to a transparent night splint.

Invisible braces for children up to 10 years of age

This is a transparent orthodontic splint treatment for children with mixed dentition. This offers an efficient alternative to removable, night-worn braces. The decisive factor in favour of invisible braces for children is the number of permanent teeth that have already erupted (visible). Impressions are no longer taken for this, but images of the dental arches are created with the help of an intraoral scan. This allows a virtual 3D plan to be created.

This 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 in a more individualised and targeted manner than was previously possible with conventional night-worn appliances.

This applies in particular to crowding or gaps in the front teeth. Wearing the clear braces for 22 hours a day results in rapid improvements in malocclusions. This is possible because the braces fit closely to the teeth and do not cover the palate. Your child is therefore not impaired when speaking and can also wear the splints during school hours.

As treatment can be started from the age of 6, growth can also be utilised for larger jaw misalignments. For example, if the lower jaw is displaced backwards, special mandibular advancement wings can be used to support forward growth of the lower jaw.

Only in Linz: Have your entitlement to free braces checked

Is your child affected by severe malocclusion? Our patients in Linz have the option of checking their entitlement to free braces. Please note, however, that this option is only available for removable & fixed braces. To check whether your child fulfils the requirements, please arrange a consultation appointment via our online appointment booking page.

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

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

In principle, the age of the teeth is decisive. However, 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 (6th year molar) should be visible in the mouth.

What is the difference to classic removable braces?

As the braces do not affect your child's speech, they can be worn throughout the day - unlike traditional removable braces. The invisible braces should only be taken out of the mouth when eating. Due to the permanent pressure on the teeth, a better individualised adjustment can be guaranteed. This means that success can be seen more quickly, especially with crowded teeth, large gaps in the front teeth or narrow jaws, but also with backbites.

Invisible braces for teenagers

Aligner therapy is suitable for adolescents whose permanent teeth have fully or partially erupted (for example, if a canine tooth is not yet fully aligned or if the teeth are very crowded or missing, but also if there are gaps). Above all, however, it is suitable for malocclusions where a certain degree of growth still needs to be utilised, such as when the lower jaw is displaced backwards or forwards by using the aforementioned Mandibular Advancement Wings or classic elastics. These invisible braces have been tailored to the special needs and, above all, habits of teenagers.

Advantages of fixed braces for teenagers

For Teeanger, the main advantages over fixed (visible) braces are better oral hygiene for healthy gums and fewer complications (no stinging wires or loss of brackets). Our patients also appreciate the independence that comes with planned stays abroad (for school or professional reasons, e.g. a semester abroad) or other changes such as starting an apprenticeship or a course of study. The required splints are simply provided for a certain period of time and you can plan in advance if ASR or attachment changes need to be made. If a mandibular advancement with the help of the Mandibular Advancement Wings is planned, wearing the elastics, which is heavily dependent on labour, is largely no longer necessary. This makes it possible to embark on the new phase of life without any problems and without being restricted by the tooth adjustment.

All the advantages of invisible braces at a glance:

• better oral hygiene
• fewer complications
• Aesthetic advantage
• Independence during semesters/stays abroad or the start of training/studies
• Mandibular advancement with Mandibular Advancement Wings without elastics

Important to know: Even the most invisible splints cannot be effective without reliable co-operation. Compliance with the recommended wearing time is essential for both adults and children in order to achieve the desired results

Initial orthodontic consultation in Vienna and Linz

For more information about invisible splint therapy, simply use our contact form, give us a call or use the option to book an appointment online. Our team around Dr Carina Wick is looking forward to your visit.

Success stories from our practice

Treatment case 1 - protruding anterior tooth

As can be seen in the following case, the anterior tooth was set within 23 splints (i.e. approx. 46 weeks of treatment). On the left side the before and after photos compared to the simulation on the right side.

Treatment case 2 - open bite with modified Sato method

Without oral surgery, a bite closure is achieved with splints and elastics. Previously, the patient only had contact on the last posterior teeth. Accompanying physiotherapy is recommended in such cases.

Treatment case 3 - Front tooth gaps treatment (diastema treatment)

Closing gaps between the front teeth, also known as diastema, is possible with invisible braces. The patient in the following pictures was treated in just under a year. On the left side the before and after pictures, on the right side the 3D model simulation of the treatment process.

Treatment case 4 - Treatment of crowded teeth

Teeth that are too crowded often form dirt niches for increased plaque and tartar. In the following patient, the teeth were moulded within 25 splints (i.e. 50 weeks of treatment). One of the pictures on the left also clearly shows the retainer. This is a retaining element for fixing and stabilising the result after the end of treatment.

Treatment case 5 - Deep bite treatment

If the upper front teeth cover the lower teeth, this is referred to as a deep or overbite. In this patient case on the left, the deep bite and slight crowding were corrected within 18 months using invisible splints.