What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces or white braces use brackets and a wire to move the teeth much like regular metal braces, but instead of being metal like in traditional braces, it’s made from either plastic, ceramic or porcelain, so you can’t see them when talking or smiling.
The wires are also less noticeable than metal ones, as they can be either transparent or tooth-coloured, making them an excellent choice for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable.
What can Clear Braces Treat?
A number of problems with the misalignment of your teeth or ‘malocclusions’ can be corrected using clear or white braces. This type of brace has a very similar function to traditional metal braces, so they are often used as a more subtle alternative to traditional braces. Some of the most common types of malocclusion include:
This is where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can happen with the front, side teeth, or both. A crossbite can occur on one or both sides of the mouth. A crossbite can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and uneven wear on the teeth if not treated. An orthodontist can usually treat a crossbite with braces or other appliances. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
An overbite is the measurement of the vertical overlap of the upper and lower teeth. Braces can treat excessive overjet(horizontal) and excessive overbite (vertical)
An overjet is a common orthodontic problem when the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth. This can cause several problems, including difficulty chewing and an increased risk of injury to the front teeth
Crowded teeth, it can be challenging to clean them properly, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
All these types can be corrected with the use of white or clear braces; however, dependant on severity, you may be advised to consider metal braces; this will be discussed with you during your initial consultation. After you have discussed your concerns with one of our team members, we will advise you on the most suitable options for your situation.
Get the Smile you Always wanted
Frederick Orthodontic Clinic Drogheda can provide you with white or clear braces that will give you the dream smile you’ve always wanted; during your treatment, you will need to wear braces for around 18-24 months. But don’t worry; we will work with you to find a time that works best for you and your lifestyle! We understand that every patient is different, and we will do everything we can to make your experience as positive as possible. If you are looking for a more natural-appearing brace, get in contact with our team to discuss your suitability for white or clear braces.
This method is used to treat the same malocclusions as metal braces. Malocclusion is the dental term for ‘incorrect bite’; there are many forms of malocclusion, and once this is identified your orthodontist will be able to work with you to put together the most suitable treatment plan.
Invisible Orthodontics
It is important to explain the differences between Clear Braces, White Braces and Invisible Aligners
White braces use brackets made of ceramic or porcelain; they look similar to metal braces but will be white in colour rather than silver. They are an excellent option as they blend very nicely with your natural teeth. However, like your teeth, the brackets are susceptible to staining from high-pigmented foods and drinks.
Clear braces use translucent brackets; this makes them less visible on the teeth than the metal brackets, which are silver. They are also less susceptible to staining compared to ceramic or porcelain brackets. However, clear braces still require metal wires and elastic bands, which are still visible but much less noticeable when paired with the clear brackets. Treatment times are often the same as traditional braces and span between 12-24 months.
Traditional braces, either metal, clear or white, will still require the use of elastic bands, which are likely to pick up stains from foods or drinks. These bands can be replaced, but you must keep vigilant with regular cleaning between meals and snacks. You may also want to use an interdental brush or water flosser to eliminate any food particles that might get stuck in your braces. If you don’t keep your braces clean, you could have permanent stains on your teeth.
These are removable plastic Aligners that move your teeth into the desired location over time. You can view this treatment here
Call Frederick Orthodontic Clinic today to book a consultation with one of our orthodontists to discuss our available options to suit your individual needs.
Who is suitable for Clear Braces
01. The Perfect compromise
Clear braces can be seen as the perfect solution for those who would like the discretion of invisible aligners but the results of metal braces. These particular braces are very effective and can be suitable for most patients. They tend to be utilised for adult patients with roles or commitments that prefer a more discrete orthodontic treatment. Patients find this type of brace appealing as it provides all of the treatment benefits of metal braces with a less noticeable appearance to the general public.=
02. Not as Durable as Metal Braces
White or clear braces are not always the most suitable option for all patients, and the difference is not exclusively the colour of the brackets. In addition, although they are very similar to metal braces, they do not tolerate as much force as traditional braces. If you require a significant amount of relining, they may not be the most suitable choice.
Treatment Process
The treatment follows the same procedure at metal braces, and the timeframes can often be the same. However, timeframes for orthodontics are dependent on the individual case and will be discussed during your initial consultation.
The average time for orthodontic treatment is around 22 months; at Frederick Orthodontic Clinic, we understand that this is a significant period of time in a person’s life, and it isn’t always ideal to have noticeable braces attached to your teeth at all times. This is why we aim to provide the best possible alternatives to traditional braces, to give our patients their dream smiles without too much affecting their daily lives.
If you find yourself wanting to know the options for dental alignment, then the first step will be to book an initial consultation with one of our specialists. They will help guide and assess you to see your suitability for the treatment and the best treatment options.
During this appointment, you will also have your oral hygiene and dental health assessed. It is important to have any required treatment before starting your orthodontic journey. After your initial consultation, you will have a recording-taking appointment carried out. During this appointment, you will have moulds taken of your teeth, x-rays and clinical photos to record your current misalignment and aid in planning your treatment.
After your initial consultation, and once you have had time to think about your options and come to your decision, your treatment can be started. At your first appointment we will take a series of records of your teeth, and you will have clinical photos taken, impressions and x-rays. These will help your dentist plan the most appropriate course of treatment with your metal braces.
As with traditional braces, food gets trapped in the brackets, wires or elastics, so it is important that you are extra vigilant with your oral hygiene, even with white or clear braces. Clear braces can often discolour throughout treatment, but this will depend on the amount of coffee, tea or certain types of food consumed. You should brush your teeth and use interdental aids after eating, to avoid this.
You will then attend follow-up appointments every 4-8 weeks; this allows your teeth to get used to the tightening and start to move. You may feel slight discomfort or aching whilst the teeth start moving, but this should subside. For every follow-up appointment, records of your teeth will be taken, and the wire will be tightened. Treatment times can range from 18months-24months depending on the severity of the realignment.
When the teeth have moved to the desired location, you will be ready to have your braces off! This appointment is approximately 30-60minutes and involves removing the brackets, which is a simple process. Once the brackets are removed, a small amount of residue will be left behind; the orthodontist will remove this residue leaving a perfect shiny smile!
You may be provided with a fixed retainer, which involves a small metal wire glued to the backside of your teeth, which helps keep them in place and stops them from moving back to their original position. You may also be offered a removable plastic retainer which should be worn overnight. Both types of retainer should be worn for the rest of your life to ensure the teeth stay in the desired position.
A robust oral hygiene routine is critical for the success of the orthodontic treatment; your dentist will help instruct you on how to floss correctly, use interdental aids and brush effectively whilst wearing your braces. As well as interdental cleaning and brushing with a round-headed electric toothbrush, you may also be shown a single tuft toothbrush which will help clean around the brackets.
If you do not brush effectively around these brackets, plaque can build up, leading to acid erosion or decay. If this happens when the brackets are removed, you may be left with white or brown patches where the brackets were attached.
Patients
Was a patient here for just over a year and a half while I got my braces done. Every visit I had was fantastic, always very gentle and made sure always knew exactly what was going on. Highly recommend this practice to anyone needing dental work!
Brad ByrneMay 9, 2022
Advantages of Clear Braces
White or clear braces are often more costly than your typical metal braces, and it is essential to consider this when considering the most suitable treatment plan for you and your budget.
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Alternative Treatment Options
Book a consultation today with one of our team, who will be happy to discuss these options with you in-depth, and assess your suitability for orthodontics. Further information on each of these options are available on our website.
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