When To Consider Clear Braces

When it comes to teeth straightening, clear braces have become very popular because they are just as effective as traditional braces. The braces also allow people to fix their teeth without others knowing they are undergoing treatment.

Even though they are commonly used these days, clear braces are not for everyone. That means that patients will have to undergo a dental examination to determine if the braces can fix the problem.

When should you start considering clear braces?

The type of clear braces dentists use to treat problems with the teeth depend on the severity of the problem. Clear aligners, which are made from a clear plastic material, can be used to fix 90% of orthodontic problems. However, if the problem is severe and cannot be fixed with clear aligners, dentists will recommend using ceramic braces. These are like traditional metal braces but with clear brackets and tooth-colored wires.

Most of the patients that come in for braces are young children and teenagers. However, more adults are going to dentists to straighten their teeth because they can now do so without having metal brackets and wires in their mouths.

How do clear braces work?

Clear braces work under the same premise as traditional braces. They use pressure to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. However, unlike traditional braces, aligners do not require the use of brackets and wires to move the teeth into their new positions.

Getting clear braces means the patient has to have the ceramic brackets bonded to the surface of their teeth. Wires are fastened to them to apply pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position.

Getting clear aligners requires the dentist to create a 3D impression of the patient’s mouth. They will show these to the patient so they can see how the braces will gradually move their teeth into the desired position. Once the dentist and patient have agreed on a treatment plan, the 3D impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the clear braces are made.

When the aligners are ready, the dentist will ask the patient to come to pick them up. They will also provide instructions on how the braces should be used for maximum effect. Even though the braces can be removed, dentists tell their patients to keep them on for at least 22 hours a day. They should only take them out when they want to eat, brush their teeth and clean the braces.

How long do clear braces have to be worn?

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of each patient’s case. However, people who wear clear braces wear them for an average of 18 to 24 months. With clear aligners, several aligners are created to move the patient’s teeth gradually. Each aligner is generally worn for two weeks before they are discarded for the next set of aligners in the tray that was provided by the dentist. The treatment time for clear aligners ranges from nine to 18 months.

Why should I choose clear braces over traditional braces?

If a patient has a problem that can be fixed using both clear braces and traditional braces, they will likely choose clear braces. They are just as effective as traditional braces and patients do not have to be self-conscious about having them in their mouths because they are not very noticeable.

If the problem is not severe, clear aligners provide the patient with another preferred option to traditional braces. They are less noticeable than clear braces and allow patients to continue eating the foods that they enjoy. They do not have to worry about food particles getting stuck in the brackets like they do with traditional braces.

Conclusion

Clear braces are very effective when it comes to fixing problems with the teeth. They also allow you to fix the problems discretely. If you want to straighten your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if the problem can be fixed with clear braces.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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