What They Don’t Tell You About Clear Braces

Many people assume that clear braces and invisible braces are the same things. This is, however, not true. Invisible braces are short-term orthodontic systems which compared to traditional braces, cannot be easily noticed. The term also refers to systems like Invisalign which are used for correction of cosmetic problems associated with the front teeth. They can correct spaced, crowded, crooked, and misaligned teeth.

Clear braces, on the other hand, are a kind of ceramic braces. When it comes to differentiating clear braces from traditional ones, the kind of bracket that is used is the major distinguishing factor. As their name suggests, clear braces make use of clear brackets.

You can call them transparent ceramic braces. You can still see their wires though, something that isn’t possible with clear teeth aligners.

Benefits of Using Clear Braces

Let us see why your doctor would recommend them.

• Since they do not irritate as much as traditional braces, they are less painful.
• The brackets that ceramic braces use are translucent. This gives them more aesthetics.
• The material used to make them is of high quality, therefore, giving them theirdurable characteristic.

Drawbacks of Using Clear Braces

What are some of the downsides of using these braces?

• Compared to regular braces that use metal brackets, clear braces are more costly
• The correction they do doesn’t match that of regular braces

Ceramic Braces versus Metal Braces

Whether you go for ceramic or metal braces, you are likely to experience some discomfort. Soreness is a normal after-effect after your orthodontist tightens them during your visits.

Metal braces come with metal brackets and dental cement. Each of the brackets I attached to the other using wires or rubber bands. They can solve several alignment problems. Because of their versatility, they can fix extreme issues. Metal braces function quicker compared to ceramic braces.

Their biggest downside, however, is their unattractive appearance, or rather the ease with which you can notice them. Even though there has been an evolution in the size of metal braces, it is this ease of noticeability that is a big cause of self-consciousness for many. This can be dealt with by getting colored braces. Your orthodontist may ask you to select a color that best suits your personality.

One thing to consider before choosing braces is activity. Because of the durability of metal braces, they are the best choice if you are engaged in a contact sport. Although they are less costly and more durable compared to latter braces, ceramic braces carry the day because of their pleasing aesthetics.

Clear Braces versus Invisalign

Just like clear braces, Invisalign aligners are very noticeable. That is the only aspect these two share. Other than this, they align teeth in extremely different ways. Let us have a look at their differences.

Transparency

A lot of people that opt for braces value transparency. If they can get their teeth straightened without having unsightly braces, that is a big win. With clear braces, however, everyone will notice. Although the brace brackets are clears, there is no way to hide the wires.

Removability

Another reason why people love Invisalign is that removing it and putting it back by yourself is possible. For instance, when you go to bed, you can take it off and dip it in a glass of cleaning solution or water.

When it comes to clear braces, the cleaning work requires a little more effort. Brushing has to go on as normal. After that, you may have to remove leftover debris then brush in the crannies and nooks of your braces.

Adjustment Frequency

In the case of Invisalign, you may need to do a replacement every two weeks. The new aligner has to be a different size. Clear braces, on the other hand, need adjustment every four weeks. Judging from this, the most preferable adjustment frequency is that of clear braces.

Treatment Cases

If your alignment issues are mild or moderate e.g. gapped teeth, improper bites, and crowded teeth, Invisalign is the way to go. Clear braces are capable of handling mild, moderate, and extreme cases. Problems like malocclusions, severely crooked teeth, and cross bites can be fixed by clear braces but not Invisalign.

Staining

It shouldn’t be forgotten that clear braces are capable of staining your teeth. The wires located between the brackets leave stains on the teeth especially if you are a smoker of a heavy coffee consumer.

Looking forward to having your teeth straightened? Visit High Desert Dental and get clear braces in Kingman.