clear-braces

The benefits of straightening teeth go beyond aesthetic purposes. More than achieving a beautiful smile, straightening your teeth improves oral health, prevents various medical issues, and makes you more confident. While the benefits of straightening teeth are numerous, many adults avoid orthodontic treatment due to the appearance of metal braces. If you fall under this category, you may be happy to know that Brooklyn clear braces are made with tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable.

What are clear braces?

Clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that is discreet and less noticeable than metal braces. They are used to straighten teeth and correct various orthodontic issues, including crowded, crooked, gapped, and overlapped teeth. Clear braces are an excellent alternative for adults and teens unwilling to wear metal braces.

The difference between clear braces and metal braces

When you hear braces, you probably think of traditional metal braces. These dental appliances use stainless steel bands, wires, and brackets to straighten teeth. Clear braces work similarly, but the difference lies in the appearance. They are less noticeable because clear braces consist of ceramic brackets and frosted wired, which closely resemble the color of your natural teeth. On the downside, clear braces are not as strong as their counterparts, so they may take slightly longer to straighten your teeth.

There is also a difference between clear bracket braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. As mentioned above, clear braces use components similar to metal braces, including wires and brackets. But orthodontic aligners are removable plastic trays that fit perfectly over your teeth; you change them after every two weeks. Clear aligners look similar to a mouth guard, except that the aligner is custom-made to fit your natural teeth. Both clear aligners and braces have pros and cons. A consultation with an orthodontist will help you find the best option.

How effective are clear braces?

Clear braces use the same components that work like metal braces, which are effective at straightening teeth. However, as mentioned above, they are not as strong as metal braces and may take slightly longer to straighten teeth.

What to do before getting clear braces

Like any other treatment, you will need to visit a dentist or orthodontist for an examination. You will undergo an oral examination by the dentist to determine whether you are eligible for clear braces. Dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease must be treated first before you can get clear braces. Attaching braces to unhealthy teeth can result in other dental issues. Your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist if they think you are a good candidate for clear braces.

Placing clear brackets

First, the orthodontist uses special dental cement to bond clear ceramic brackets to the front surfaces of your teeth. Once the brackets are in place, your specialist attaches tooth-colored wire to the brackets and uses metal bands to anchor the wire on your back molars. They will finally add clear elastics to your brackets to secure the wire firmly. The placement of clear braces takes about one to two hours.

If you have been postponing orthodontic treatment, consult your specialist at Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics to know if you are a good candidate for clear braces.