C opyright© 2007 Dr. Niles Knight Bakke, D.D.S., M.S.

This photograph shows specially designed braces on the lingual (inside) surface of the teeth. For many adult patients, this orthodontic procedure is visually appealing.

With "invisible" appliances, a small metal bracket is attached to the lingual surface of the front teeth, metal bands are usually placed on the back teeth (molars and sometimes bicuspids). The brackets are made of a durable metal alloy that will not react to foods, or to the enamel surface of the teeth. Brackets are held in place by an adhesive that provides outstanding strength to resist the pressures of biting and chewing., The adhesive does not permanently affect the enamel, and is removed at the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

After the brackets are placed, a resilient archwire, individually contoured by the orthodontist, is connected to each bracket, and each tooth is slowly moved during treatment into the desired alignment for better appearance and better bite. "Invisible braces" work on the same principles as conventional appliances so they too must be adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks. During the course of treatment you will be asked to make follow-up appointments so the archwire tension can be readjusted as your teeth "move" to their new position.