Deciding to get braces regardless of your age is one of the best things you could do for your oral health. Aside from helping to shift misaligned teeth, braces can also help to straighten your bite, resulting in a dazzling hollywood smile that can boost your confidence and overall self esteem. With more and more adults now opting for orthodontic treatment, there has been a rise in the popularity of clear braces, also known as ceramic braces. Today, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about clear braces in order to make the best choice when it comes to the perfect orthodontic treatment for you. Read on to find out more!
So, What Exactly Are Clear Braces?
Understanding exactly what clear braces are is step one in determining whether they are the right option for you. Clear braces (also known as invisible braces or ceramic braces) are almost identical to traditional metal braces sans one important factor — the material that is used for your brackets. Instead of traditional metal, clear braces utilise ceramic that is often either clear or matched to the shade of your teeth. This creates a seamless appearance and offers a much less visible option when it comes to orthodontic treatment options. You can also check medicalprices.co.uk for more guide about dental braces.
Are Clear Braces The Same As Invisible Aligners?
The short answer here is no. Clear aligners utilise a set of invisible trays that you are required to use for no less than 22 hours a day. Although they are more comfortable (and less visible) than clear braces, they are not always suitable for people who have severe tooth misalignments or overcrowding. Because clear aligners are removable, it is not uncommon for patients to forget to use them thus resulting in inconsistent treatment that may result in a relapse.
Clear braces on the hand are a permanent fixture to your teeth and do not require you to remove them or clean them at the end of each day.
The More Comfortable Option
Clear braces are often thought to be a lot more comfortable than metal braces as the materials used aren’t as harsh as metal and don’t irritate the soft tissues of your mouth and gums. Do note that both clear braces and metal braces require regular adjustments from your orthodontist as your teeth begin to shift and you may experience slight discomfort after each adjustment. This is completely normal and should go away in a matter of a few days.
Caring For Your Clear Braces
When it comes to caring for your clear braces, you can expect to be given the same care instructions as you would with metal braces. Cleaning your braces well will be one of your top priorities in order to ensure you prevent any potential complications such as cavities or tooth decay. Because ceramic is more porous than metal, you will also have to limit your intake of soft drinks, coffee, wine and any other food or drink that may cause your braces to stain. Whether you end up utilising cleaning tools, mouthwash or fluoride toothpaste, always seek guidance from your dental professional on how you can effectively care for and prevent damage to your clear braces.
Effectiveness
As mentioned above, clear braces may not be the ideal option for someone who is suffering from extreme misalignment, malocclusion or overcrowding. In such instances, traditional metal braces are always the best option. However, for orthodontic issues that are minimal, clear braces can be an incredibly effective solution. Do note that in some cases, you will need to wear your clear braces for a slightly longer period than you would with metal braces. The reason for this is that the tooth-coloured material used often causes higher levels of friction to the wire. This in turn may slow down the shifting of your teeth, but in most cases patients are only required to have their clear braces on for a maximum of an additional 6 months.
Are Clear Braces Right For Me?
So, are clear braces right for you? Well, this is something that is highly dependent on the level of orthodontic treatment you will need, along with factors such as cost and convenience. Clear braces usually cost anywhere between $600-$1200 more than traditional metal braces, depending on your treatment. Do note that you may be eligible to claim a portion of your orthodontic treatment costs from your health provider, so always do your research prior to committing to any treatment.
Lastly, consulting with your dentist or orthodontist is one of the best things you can do to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances, so don’t hesitate to book a consultation with an expert before making your final decision!
We hope that this article has given you all the insight you were looking for about clear braces. All the best on your journey towards the perfect smile!