Clear

Braces

Clear braces can be fixed or removable, and because they are so discreet, they are sometimes called invisible braces.

Fixed Clear Braces

Fixed orthodontic solutions use clear brackets braces bonded onto teeth, and these are powered by thin, nearly invisible wires. As the braces are bonded onto teeth, they are working continuously to straighten them. They are specifically designed to move teeth quickly and comfortably, creating more cosmetically perfect smiles.

Removable Clear Braces

Removable clear braces consist of clear plastic trays called aligners and which are custom-made to fit tightly over teeth. Each aligner gradually repositions teeth into the correct locations using gentle yet controlled forces to move teeth into the proper locations. Every set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before they are discarded, and the patient begins to wear the next set in the series. Treatment continues in this way until the teeth are repositioned precisely.

The clear ceramic braces are virtually invisible once bonded onto teeth. Because these braces use the most advanced technologies, the brackets are often what’s called self-ligating and don’t need elastics. Sometimes the wires themselves are tooth-colored. One advantage of choosing invisible dental braces that are bonded onto teeth is there is no need to worry about forgetting to wear your braces or losing them.

Fixed braces also tend to provide more precise results so they can be a preferable solution for people requiring more complex tooth movements. The outcome can be a spectacular smile that enhances facial appearance. Where self-ligating brackets are used, treatment is gentler as the braces don’t need to be tightened regularly. The wires used to power clear braces are often made from lightweight titanium that gently guides teeth into the proper positions. Therefore treatment can be healthier for teeth and gums, and there is often very little discomfort.

Clear ceramic braces will be a suitable option for most people requiring orthodontic treatment, including children and adults. They may be especially suitable for teenagers who feel self-conscious about the thought of wearing more traditional metal braces. Because the braces are made from ceramic material, they aren’t quite as tough compared with metal brackets.

After your braces are first fitted, they are adjusted and will begin to straighten your teeth. Initially, there may be slight discomfort as you become accustomed to wearing your braces. You will need regular appointments to check the progress of treatment and to make any necessary adjustments. If you break a wire or brace brackets, it’s essential to see your dentist quickly so the brace can be professionally mended. Any delay could affect the completion of treatment.

All fixed braces need extra oral care as it is essential to make sure you brush and floss thoroughly after every meal. Otherwise, food debris and plaque trapped around the brackets and wires can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, or teeth may appear discolored or will have white spot lesions (early tooth decay) once the brackets are removed after treatment.

When your braces are fitted, we will show you exactly how to clean around them, and our hygienist will work with you to help you develop a good oral care routine. There are special tools designed to clean around braces and which are highly effective. Although you may need to spend a few more minutes caring for your teeth each day, the outcome is well worth it.

Removable aligners are extremely popular, and one of the best-known systems is Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign provides predictable results, and there are several practical benefits in choosing this treatment. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should remain in the mouth at least 22 hours each day, but they are removable for eating and drinking, and for brushing and flossing. Consequently, there is no need to change your diet, and you can continue to brush and floss your teeth normally.

When you remove the aligners for eating, it’s essential to brush your teeth before replacing them. The aligners should be thoroughly rinsed before they are reinserted. Invisalign aligners also need to be cleaned regularly using a proprietary cleaner or a denture-soaking solution to ensure they remain fresh and hygienic. It is better not to brush the aligners with toothpaste because it is slightly abrasive and could give the aligners a cloudy appearance.

Treatments such as Invisalign tends to be more suitable for older teens and adults. One important factor is good compliance, as it is essential to wear the aligners continually, ideally only removing them for meals and oral care. Failing to wear the aligners as directed can delay treatment or may disrupt it significantly. If you tend to be forgetful or are likely to lose your aligners, fixed braces may be a more suitable solution.

Preview Your Smile Using Digital Technology

Another advantage of Invisalign treatment is the ability to see results before you buy it. Invisalign has produced special software that utilizes photos and dental impressions taken during your appointment with our dentists, who are all certified Invisalign providers. The software allows dentists to plan treatment precisely, identifying which teeth must move and producing digital images showing how your smile will look after treatment is complete.

You can preview these images so you can see the efficacy of treatment. It’s a system that also allows users to become involved with their treatment plan and to discuss the predicted outcome more fully with their dentist.

We will show you how to insert and remove your custom-made aligners and will instruct you on how to care for them at home. You will be provided with several sets of aligners, but you will need to see our dentist regularly so we can provide you with additional sets and can check treatment is progressing as planned.

Initially, each set of aligners may cause some minor discomfort as your teeth move to their new positions. Over-the-counter painkillers should easily control this discomfort, and it normally disappears after a few days. Some people experience no discomfort during treatment.

The time required to complete orthodontic treatment can vary considerably. Some people only require minor cosmetic adjustments to perhaps correct teeth that are overlapping or slightly too crowded. These people may not have any major issues affecting their bite or occlusion. In this case, treatment tends to be more cosmetically oriented and focuses on correcting the positions of teeth visible when smiling. Cosmetically oriented braces often work quite quickly, and people may complete treatment in a matter of just a few months. Shorter treatment times are reflected in the price.

More significant orthodontic problems will need a longer treatment time. These may include issues affecting a person’s bite or where teeth are considerably misaligned, overcrowded, or overlapping or which have unsightly gaps between them. Usually, most people will complete treatment within a year or so. After examining your teeth and jaws, our dentist can provide you with a far more precise timeframe.

Orthodontic retainers are an essential part of treatment and ensure your newly straightened teeth will not try to move back to their original locations. During orthodontic treatment, the crown of a tooth and its root must move locations. After completing treatment, it will take quite some time for your jawbone to remodel around the tooth roots, which is why it is necessary to wear your retainers as directed by your dentist. Some retainers are removable while others are fixed in place.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers can consist of a thin wire bonded onto the inner surfaces of teeth, ensuring the teeth cannot move. A fixed retainer can be a good choice because it is working permanently to prevent unwanted tooth movements or orthodontic relapse. Because the wire is fitted to the inner surfaces of teeth, it does require a little more care to clean around it thoroughly.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers look very similar to Invisalign aligners, and most must initially be worn almost permanently. The removable retainers are cared for in the same way as aligners.

The time needed to wear retainers varies from one individual to another. Some people may need to wear retainers permanently for a while after treatment. Others may only need to wear them during sleep. We can discuss how frequently you will need to wear your retainers to maintain your beautifully straight smile.