If you’ve been considering getting your teeth straightened, or perhaps you are looking for a more aesthetical looking option for your dental misalignment, then clear braces might just be your next surest bet!
Clear braces are becoming a more popular alternative to the conventional metal braces because of the unique benefits they provide. In essence, they are rarely noticed than the traditional metal braces. These braces offer interesting benefits to its users and are very discreet with fast impressive and long-lasting results.
Before we jump right in, let’s get a clear glimpse of what we are talking about here.
Clear braces are just like the popular traditional metal braces, just that they come with clear brackets, and sometimes with a tooth-coloured wire. People often add invisible aligners to this grouping since they are made from transparent or clear materials.
Both clear braces and invisible braces are effective in discreetly straightening misaligned teeth. However, the striking difference between the two is the function, their appearance, cost and what it feels like to wear them
Hence, we will be diving a bit deeper into the world of both, to give you a better understanding between the two
Teeth straightening are often useful during the teenage years, when the teeth and jaw are still in their development stages. However, this does not mean that you can’t wear braces after your adolescent years. Well, thanks to modern technology, there is an increasing number in the number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment with the use of clear braces, and exceptional results have also been recorded in the past. These invisible aligners work in such a way that they are rarely noticed.
While they may record several benefits, they are not applicable for all cases especially in situations where the teeth are badly misaligned
Another option for orthodontics patients who want a more subtle way to straighten their teeth is with the use of tooth-coloured ceramic braces. The choice between tooth coloured braces and clear aligners will be generally based on the colour of your teeth.
In other words, people with naturally bright teeth, the use of clear braces will be the best suitable option, while for individuals with darker tooth shades, tooth-coloured ceramic materials will be the most appropriate option for such patients. Aside from this, both ceramic and clear aligners are known to function in the same way.
Clear aligners function in a completely different way. During your appointment with your orthodontist, you will be given a series of clear aligners, also known as trays which are fitted over the teeth. These sets of clear aligners are custom made for each patient after a series of scans and impressions have been taken from your teeth. The set of aligners are switched to a new one routinely, every two weeks until the teeth have been completely moved to their desired position. The treatment time will possibly take between 9 and 18 months to elapse. However, the treatment time is highly dependent on how severe the patient case is.
A significant benefit of clear aligners is that they can easily be removed, although for a short period; say 2-4 hours per day. This gives the wearer so much flexibility to eat and drink what they like. They are also less noticeable than any other type of braces, which is why they are preferably used compared to other types of braces.
Asides from their numerous benefits, they also have some drawbacks, including the following:
Just like traditional metal braces, clear braces are fixed to each tooth, which is connected with a wire. This system is also very active since they can treat all forms of tooth misalignment.
Your orthodontist can carefully manipulate your teeth to their desired position and alignment through proper placement of the brackets. Although a lot of other brands may offer faster treatment process, some treatment process can take up to18-24 months to complete.
During your routine checkups, your dentist is required to tighten and adjust the wire until the teeth are adequately straightened. Most orthodontics patient often reports sore teeth for a day or two after each tightening.
Nevertheless, with the use of advanced technology, the system can employ a self-litigating technology, which is adjusted gradually during treatment, until a more desired result is achieved. This system is more comfortable while reducing the number of checkups.
Clear braces are usually made from either plastic polycarbonate or ceramic materials. Some other system may use metal wire to connect the clear brackets; wearers may decide to choose white archwire over the normal metal wire. These are usually more expensive, since the braces are barely noticeable, especially from a distance.
When making use of clear ceramic braces or aligners, it is recommended that you take proper care of your teeth, by individually cleaning those areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing. This is essential to avoid food particles from getting stuck in these areas, and also avoiding other possible complications.
The fixed brace system, on the other hand, is self litigating. The archwire used in clear smile brace is always coated white, which makes them barely noticeable. Generally, the treatment time can take just 4-12 months to complete.
Damon clear aligners have some unique benefits over the traditional metal braces; they can be summarised in the below:
Regardless, Damon clear braces are often expensive because of the unique feature and solution they provide.
The company behind the development of Invisalign braces were the first to develop clear braces that are used for different orthodontics treatment. Since the inception of clear aligners in 1999, they have grown other varieties of aligners that are known to solve diverse needs. Some of these include the Invisalign teen (designed for teenagers with a unique technology that tells your orthodontist how long the aligners was won.) and Invisalign lite, which are specifically used for mild dental cases.
They also produce a set of teeth whitening gel, which can be used with their clear aligners, while performing more than one job at the same time. Nevertheless, you should talk to your orthodontist on the possibility of teeth whitening while using braces, since the whitening gel may not get to some other part of the teeth.
During your treatment period, your orthodontists will recommend you wear your invisible aligners for at least 22 hours a day, to ensure you get the best possible result from your treatment.
Generally, most orthodontists prefer to work with few brands, rather than a wide variety of brands. Some of these specialists may want to work with entirely different brands from the brands we have listed above since there are varieties of brands for clear braces in London and abroad. It is quite essential to note that a lot of other less famous brands may have used more refined technologies than which may have numerous qualities than most established companies. Regardless, avoid newly established companies, since they may have few experiences in the field of orthodontists technology; nothing bits experience you know!
This is why we often recommend that you ask your dentists why they are supporting a specific brand since they may have a particular preference based on the cost, quality, performance, and many others.
Taking appropriate care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment, especially with clear braces, is very important. It is crucial to take adequate care, to avoid unnecessary complications in the teeth.
Your orthodontist will give you a specific guideline on how to properly clean your teeth and braces. This may take extra time every day, as braces have different delicate areas where food particles can get stuck, leading to other dental issues. This is why it is essential to clean your teeth routinely after a meal.
Below are some foods that are best avoided while wearing braces. These may include:
Some of these foods can cause either damage or stain the teeth if adequate care is not taken. Ideally, it is recommended you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, to ensure you achieve an optimum result
This is where most orthodontic patients often get it wrong. Most people believe that after treatment elapses, less work is needed. Well, it’s a no-no!
Imagine spending all that money on clear braces, and having to go through the inconveniences of wearing your aligners, and you can’t look after your teeth, or you probably don’t know how to take care of your new set of teeth, here is what you can do:
Are you searching for clear braces clinic near you? Find your nearest dental clinic in London for teeth alignment today!
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The practice is clean and well kept. Dentist and dental nurse were awesome. I will be registering with the practice and use then for my routine check ups and any dental work that needs doing!
One of the greatest Invisalign provider in London, Dr Pakan was so honest and clear about the cost. I’ve got my Invisalign treatment with monthly plan it was around £25 a month. Reception was great, I was late during my treatment and Suze helped me to get the latest appointment to see the Dr Pakan.
I finally completed my treatment plan. So happy with my smile. Dr Pakan was amazing and done the best plan with Invisalign treatment for me. I've got all the payment on monthly basis with 0% APR. I didn't expect the cost to be easier than I thought. Suze was helpful and friendly at the reception.
I have just finished my Invisalign course with Chatfield Dental Braces. I loved the fact that the braces were invisible and no one at work noticed I was wearing them. It was also very good to be able to take them out for cleaning and eating and for my wedding!
Very friendly staff and service