Clear Braces - What are they?

There are now many diifferent ways to straighten teeth. Metal wire braces have and remain a popular choice which many are familiar with. In 1999, clear braces were first sold in the United States. For teenagers and adults this signalled an end to the only choice beng metal braces and provided them with an alternative.

The traditional metal braces that everyone is familiar with use wires attached to the teeth to align them. Not all clear braces work in the same way and some will use trays to align teeth. So that custom trays can be made, the dentist will take both impressions of the teeth and a series of x-rays. A tray is made for the top and bottom of the mouth, to be worn for approximately two weeks each. How long they need to be worn for will depend on the severity of the dental problem, most cases last for about a year.

Using clear aligners has some big advantages. A big advantage is the fact that others cannot easily see them. One of the best things about clear braces is that they are difficult to notice. Many patients find clear braces much more comfortable to wear. Another benefit is comfort. The smoothness of these will not irritate the inside cheeks.

Being able to remove the aligners, especially when eating, is a big plus point for many. This means favourite foods can be enjoyed without having to worry about it getting caught. The fact that they are removable means that brushing and flossing can be continued as normal, without having to worry about cleaning around the wires and attachments.

There are often finance deals available for cosmetic dental treatments including teeth straightening and implants. It can be well worth checking with your insurance policy to see if they can cover any of the costs. It can also be worth asking the dentist or practice manager if there are any finance plans available to cover the balance.

The dentist will be able to answer any questions or concerns a patient may have. They will offer instruction regarding proper use and care. One of the main pieces of advice most dentists will give with regards to wearing the braces is that to be effective they should be worn for twenty two hours a day. The wearer will want to remove them only for eating and brushing their teeth. Speaking of brushing, the person may want to brush the trays at the same time, in order to reduce any possible odour. Discomfort is expected during this process, but the patient should contact their doctor if at any point they begin to experience pain. If pain is quite severe or lasting more than a couple of days then it is likely that the aligners aren't a good fit and will need to be replaced.

Clear braces have grown in popularity over the years. Being able to straighten teeth without anyone knowing is a big advantage for adults and teenagers alike. These braces give patients a choice with their orthodontic care.