Clear braces are not only a popular choice if you want to straighten your teeth, but they are also a very effective and discreet option, compared to the more traditional metal braces. So if you are interested in learning about clear braces, you should read on; in this guide, we answer various questions about clear braces, including who is suitable to get clear braces, and the type of clear braces available.
Clear braces are similar to the traditional metal braces, with the major difference being the use of clear brackets instead of metal brackets. Invisible aligner braces are sometimes categorised as clear braces because their aligners are produced using clear materials.
Both clear and invisible braces are effective options for straightening your teeth. They are discreet braces, and differ only in their own looks and cost, and also in their effect.
Clear braces are available in the UK in various brands; some of the brands are more popular than others, such as Damon Clear and Clearsmile. In this guide, we will discuss the distinctive features of these brands, and also provide information about other clear invisible braces such as Invisalign.
The most suitable time recommended for straightening your teeth with a brace is during one’s teens —during this time, your teeth and jaw are not fully developed and can be adjusted quickly.
This should not discourage you from wearing clear braces when already an adult. Orthodontic treatments are conventional with the young and old, and they provide excellent results. With the added advantage of the technology used in the manufacturing of invisible aligners, you do not need to worry about metals filling your teeth, and most people won’t realise you are wearing braces even when you have one on.
Invisalign braces are a good choice in treating 90% of orthodontic cases; the remaining 10% involve the crucial dental cases, and it can only be treated using a wire and bracket metal braces. So before you decide on an Invisalign braces treatment, we recommend you take an assessment test to check if you are suitable for this treatment. You can take the Smile Assessment test — it is free, and it will not take more than 2 minutes.
An alternative to clear braces are tooth-coloured ceramic braces; they are just as discreet, but the natural colour of your teeth can limit their effectiveness. If your teeth are naturally bright and light in colour, you could opt for a transparent brace as the most suitable option, but if your teeth have a darker shade, the tooth-coloured ceramic braces might be a better fit; although both braces types will serve the same function.
A notable feature of clear aligner braces is their series of clear plastic aligners, which fit perfectly over your teeth and produce a different solution than you will get with other braces options. These custom clear plastic trays are made especially for you, from detailed X-ray scans and impressions taken from your teeth. The aligners are replaced every two weeks with new aligners, and throughout your treatment, they continuously adjust your teeth and set it into the desired position.
The length of treatment with invisible braces may vary, but usually, it takes between 9 – 18 months.
There are some challenges to aligners, though:
If you need more advice and recommendations about Invisalign braces and other types of invisible aligners, you can contact us on 02071830903 to learn more or to book an appointment with The Harley Street Dentist. Take an easy Smile Assessment test to confirm if you are suitable for an Invisalign treatment.
If you have completed your Smile Assessment test and discovered you are not suitable for Invisalign clear aligners, you do not need to worry. You can get a fixed clear brace as your next ideal option, and these are just as effective as the clear aligners.
Like the traditional metal braces, the brackets and wires of clear fixed braces can be affixed easily to your teeth, and used in correcting a wide number of tooth alignment issues. Your dentist can manipulate the clear brackets fitted to your teeth in any desirable position, and subsequently adjust them into a position to properly align your teeth.
Treatment with clear fixed braces should take an estimated time of 18 – 24 months; but this time usually depends on the product used, as you can get faster treatment with some brands, over some of the less popular ones.
An experienced orthodontist will be required to adjust and tighten the wires in your braces regularly —you might feel sore in your teeth after each adjustment and tightening. To solve this inconvenience, some brands offer newer, advanced technologies in the manufacture of their braces, allowing the wires to adjust themselves continuously throughout your treatment automatically. This is beneficial, as you enjoy the comfort of your braces, and cut down on the number of required visits to the dentist.
Two common materials used in the manufacture of clear fixed braces are clear ceramic materials or a plastic polycarbonate. A metal wire connects each clear bracket to the other, but you can have these replaced by a more expensive white archwire, which ensures your braces are even more discreet.
Special cleaning is required when wearing fixed braces. The same goes for clear ceramic braces; you have to clean your teeth thoroughly and ensure you clean those areas that can not be easily reached with a toothbrush.
You might be uncomfortable with the new braces for the first few weeks after the start of treatment; especially as the braces might likely cause your mouth to become sore as they adjust your teeth. Whatever discomfort you experience is temporary though, and clears as your gums and teeth get used to the new braces. Your dentist might recommend some orthodontic wax to help cushion the abrasion from the braces.
Get in touch with the Harley Street Dentist today if you need an experienced orthodontist in London. You can call 02071830903 to book an appointment today.
Clear braces come in different types, some of the more popular ones include:
They are self-ligating braces, which means they automatically tighten themselves gradually during your treatment, giving them several benefits over the more traditional metal braces, including:
Damon braces are more expensive than other lesser popular brace systems. But they are recommended by many dentists in the UK because of their increased convenience and comfort.
Among clear aligner braces in the UK and other parts of the world, Invisalign is one of the most popular and efficient brands. They were first developed in 1999 by Align Technology, a leading American company. This fact makes Invisalign one of the oldest clear teeth aligner braces.
Invisalign has over the years been manufactured in various custom clear aligner braces meant to suit a range of specific needs. Among the custom Invisalign braces are Invisalign Lite — suitable for correcting minor alignments, and Invisalign Teen for teenagers.
If you are interested in getting an Invisalign treatment, you can take our free Invisalign Smile Assessment test here to discover if you are ideal for the treatment.
All of the different braces listed above will not probably be available to you at a single dental clinic, as the most dentists are used to working with a single brand or two at most. Beyond what is listed on this guide, there are many other brands available on the market, but they do not all possess the same effectiveness and advanced technologies. Some old brands have been able to refine and improve the technology that goes into producing their braces, whereas others are yet to gain the experience of the technology,
You can discuss the reasons for any recommendations with your dentist. A brand might be suitable because of its cost, performance, the reputation and service of its parent company, the technology used in its production, and many other reasons that your dentist will be better able to explain to you. You can always pick an alternative if you are unsatisfied with the choice of your dentist.
Compared to fixed metal braces, the treatment costs of clear fixed braces can be much higher. The difference in costs convinces most patients to get clear brackets only on their upper teeth, and for their lower teeth, which is less distinct than the upper; they choose the more affordable metal brackets. You can also opt for an Invisalign Lite if the trouble with your teeth is not severe. An Invisalign Lite is much cheaper than a full Invisalign treatment.
Even after your braces have been taken off, it is still essential that you continue practising good oral hygiene and taking care of your teeth generally. You can follow these tips in taking proper care of your teeth:
Even after treatment with the braces, your teeth can return to their own crooked positioned if they are not kept in their new proper position with the use of a retainer. Your retainer will have to be worn every day, for the length of time suggested by your dentist.
Retainers come in two types:
Fixed retainers are distinguished by a thin wire attached discreetly to the back of the front 4-8 teeth, to ensure the teeth are kept from shifting out of their proper position. The same care and attention are given to cleaning fixed braces will also need to be given to these fixed retainers.
Removable retainers are available in two distinct styles:
Removable retainers, unlike the fixed retainers, are much easier to clean, and can be taken off to allow you comfortably eat and drink. But you have to take extra precaution when you take them off and make sure you do not misplace or damage them.
After a few years, the retainers, both fixed and removable, will have to be changed for new retainers. But you can prolong the efficiency of your retainers by taking extreme care of them, and they could last up to five years or more.
Discuss your preferences with your dentist, and he/she will be able to recommend a retainer, either fixed, wire, or clear, that will be most suitable in keeping your teeth in their new positions.
If your choice is between fixed and clear braces, then you will need to consider if it is the comfort and appearance over the cost, which is more relevant to you. This choice could become harder if you have to pick between clear and invisible braces, as only a few features separate them, and make each one unique. But you can always refer to the information given in this guide to help you make a good decision.
Invisalign systems are a convenient and efficient option for both teens and adults. Their clear aligners are barely noticeable, and they can be removed for special events, or to eat or clean your teeth properly. They are also no more expensive than fixed ceramic braces.
If you want to learn more or need an advice about braces you can contact the Harley Street Dentist by visiting us in Harley Street, London or you can place a call to us on 02071830903 today to book an appointment.
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