Clear braces, or in this case aligners, are becoming more and more popular with people who do not want the look or discomfort of traditional metal braces. They not only find traditional braces aesthetically unappealing, but the amount of dental hygiene that needs to be done to keep teeth and gums healthy while wearing them can be a burden.
How Do They Work?
Clear braces work along the same principles as traditional braces. Over time, they put gentle pressure on the teeth until they come into alignment. They take about the same amount of time to work as traditional braces, though the time may be shorter if the patient had braces when they were younger and have only very mild alignment issues. Clear braces are transparent plastic trays made specifically for the patient’s teeth. As the teeth start to come into alignment the trays are updated every two weeks or so until the patient has the correct bite.
What are the Benefits?
The one benefit that draws patients to choose clear braces is that they can take them out and put them back in. Though they should be worn for the majority of a day, the patient can take them out to brush and floss their teeth and eat quick meals. That the aligners are out of the patient’s mouth when they eat means they can indulge in their favorite foods, even if they are chewy or sticky. These foods can’t be eaten by a patient who wears traditional braces because they will stick to the braces’ brackets and wires. Another benefit is that the patient doesn’t have to visit their orthodontist as much as they would have to if they wore traditional braces.
The biggest drawback of the ability to take the braces out at will is to remember to put them back in. This is why clear braces are probably not the best option for children and younger teenagers. They also need to be cleaned regularly. They must not be cleaned with regular toothpaste, because toothpaste can discolor them. They should be rinsed every time they’re taken out of the mouth and soaked in denture cleaner or a special cleanser made for them.
Who is a Candidate?
A candidate for clear braces is a person who does not have severe problems with misaligned teeth or jaws and has had all of their adult teeth come in. Before choosing clear braces, the patient should have a consultation with their regular dentist and orthodontist. They will be able to examine the patient’s teeth and determine whether or not to recommend clear braces.
Contact Us to Learn More
Clear braces may be a solution if you have a mild underbite or overbite or teeth that are gapped or crowded but don’t want traditional braces. For more information, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Nasser Orthodontics. At our convenient locations in Shreveport and Bossier City, our caring team of professionals will be happy to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
