Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces in how they function and fit on your teeth. Braces are designed to straighten your teeth over time, and they are less noticeable than traditional braces while providing the same results. Here is more information about clear braces:
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces are designed to fix a variety of orthodontics issues, such as gaps, crooked or crowded teeth, and overlap. They use the typical stainless steel wires, bands, and brackets found in metal braces. The difference between clear and metal braces is the frosted wire and ceramic brackets, which are less noticeable against your teeth. Because they are less prominent, orthodontists may recommend them for adults and teens who need to straighten their teeth.
Are Clear Braces Effective?
Clear braces straighten your teeth just as well as metal braces. The results vary by person, depending on the issue involved and the age of the person. Children and teens are still developing, allowing the jaw and teeth to move more easily than they do for adults. Though it may take longer for ceramic braces to provide results, they are just as effective as metal braces. They correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other issues.
How Are Clear Braces Attached?
The orthodontist first determines if you’re a good candidate for clear brackets. Once they determine that you have no other dental issues and are ready for braces, they attach the clear brackets to your teeth with a special glue. After all the brackets have been positioned, the orthodontist attaches a wire to the brackets. This wire is frosted to look more like the color of your teeth. The orthodontist uses metal bands at the back to attach the wire to the molars. They use clear elastics to attach it to your teeth to hold everything in place.
How Do the Braces Work?
A soft membrane attaches your teeth to your jaw. It’s the soft membrane that adjusts with the pressure from the braces rather than bones being forced to move. The wires on the braces, called archwires, cause pressure to be applied to the teeth. This pressure makes the teeth move slightly over time. The metal wires or tubes that attach to your molars hold the braces in place. This feature allows the orthodontist to adjust the other parts of your braces. If your teeth are too close together, the orthodontist may use coil springs to pull two teeth apart.
Are Multiple Appointments Necessary?
You will wear braces for 18 months to three years, on average. The orthodontist will schedule multiple appointments during that time. On each visit, the orthodontist will look at the braces and decide if they need to tighten or adjust the wires. The adjustments are small, but they allow the teeth to shift and be repositioned until everything has been corrected. Once the orthodontist removes your braces, the teeth and jaw will stay in the new position.
Do Clear Braces Work for Everyone?
Some orthodontists may recommend clear braces only for adults and some teens. These braces work for everyone, but the treatment and the results differ for each patient. Because manufacturers make them with different materials, metal braces may be easier to care for and be less breakable. You won’t be able to eat certain foods, which can stain the clear brackets. Avoid coffee, tea, tomato paste, and other foods known to stain. You’ll also want to avoid sticky or hard foods, which can cause the brackets to break. The orthodontist will give you a list of foods you can and can’t eat while you’re wearing braces.
Schedule a Braces Consultation Today
To find out if clear braces are an option for you, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. They will perform an exam to find out about the health of your teeth and gums. After the exam, they will determine what type of correction you need and they will give you an estimated timeline for how long you will wear the braces. They will also talk to you about caring for clear brackets and braces. Both clear and metal braces can straighten your teeth and fix alignment issues. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in your area to get started today.