Having braces to correct a misaligned smile is something that many people associate with youth. In reality, about one-fourth of the 25 million people who get braces each year are adults.
One tried and true way to correct tooth misalignment is through the use of clear braces. Clear braces for adults are an affordable way to get a beautiful smile while maintaining your confidence. We’ll cover everything you need to know about this orthodontic option in our guide below.
Clear Braces Explained
When most people picture wearing braces, the image that comes to mind is the traditional metal dental appliance featuring wires, brackets, and stainless steel bands. Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces but use materials that are closer to your natural tooth color.
Clear braces use clear ceramic brackets in place of the metal brackets that are seen on traditional metal braces. This makes the braces less noticeable when they are in your mouth.
The wire that is used in clear braces gets matched to your tooth color so that it blends in seamlessly with your teeth. Finally, the elastics that hold the wire in place are clear.
Benefits of Clear Braces
Because clear braces work the same as traditional braces, they are a great option for many different types of orthodontic issues. Here are some of the most common types of misalignments that clear braces can rectify.
Underbite
If you have lower teeth that extend out past your upper teeth, you have a dental issue called an underbite. Behaviors like thumb sucking or using a pacifier can sometimes cause an underbite. Genetics can make some people more prone to an underbite than others.
Underbites can either be severe or minor, depending on the degree of misalignment. Although it can be a cosmetic problem, it can affect how you eat your food and, if the underbite is severe enough, it can cause pain and speech problems.
Overbite
If your top teeth come out further in your mouth than your lower teeth, you have an overbite. Children can develop this orthodontic issue if they use a pacifier or suck their thumb and they are over the age of three.
Like an underbite, an overbite can cause painful eating or issues with your gums and mouth. It can also make a person feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Crossbite
A crossbite is less common than an overbite or underbite but is similar to both of those tooth misalignment issues. A crossbite is when a top and bottom palate are out of alignment. This misalignment will cause the teeth to crisscross when closing the teeth together in a bite.
Most crossbites happen due to a very small mouth, which can’t accommodate adult teeth. If you don’t fix a crossbite, you can chip or crack your teeth because of their positioning in the mouth.
Crowded Teeth
If someone has a crowded mouth, it means that their mouth doesn’t have enough room to fit all their teeth. The teeth have almost no room and can overlap, making it hard to keep them clean.
Clear braces are a great option for tooth straightening. They can even out your smile and help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Gaps in Teeth
If you have too much space in your mouth, you can end up with gaps in your teeth. If you have gaps, food can get stuck and cause decay. Clear braces can align the teeth and remove the gap for good.
The Clear Braces Procedure
Before you get your clear braces, you’ll need to have an orthodontist examine your mouth and teeth. It’s during this appointment that they will decide if you are a good candidate for clear braces. Your mouth and teeth will need to be in good health before you can proceed with a braces procedure.
When it is time for your orthodontist to put on your braces, they will start by bonding clear ceramic brackets to the front of your teeth. They’ll use dental cement to make the brackets adhere to the tooth’s surface.
After the brackets are in the correct place, it’s time for your orthodontist to attach the wire to the brackets. They will match the wire to your tooth color and anchor the wire to metal bands connected to your back molars.
The last step is to place clear elastics on the brackets. These elastics will keep the wire from moving around in your mouth.
The entire procedure for clear braces lasts about one to two hours. You may be slightly uncomfortable with a tender mouth for a few days after the procedure, but those side effects lessen over time.
The length of time you’ll need to keep your clear braces on will depend on many factors. Most people keep their clear braces on between 12 and 36 months before the treatment is complete.
Considerations for Clear Braces
Although clear braces aren’t invisible, they are much less noticeable than darker metal braces. Because of their lighter color, they can stain if you eat or drink certain things. Tomato sauce, coffee, tea, and wine are all foods and beverages that can stain clear braces.
Clear braces are more fragile than metal braces and can break more often. Make sure to steer clear of sticky or very hard foods that can break your braces.
You may pay more for your clear braces than for traditional metal braces. The materials for clear braces cost more than metal materials, which could increase your overall braces cost. Because clear braces cost more and are more fragile, they could mean more repairs than traditional metal braces.
Transforming Your Smile with Clear Braces for Adults
Clear braces for adults offer a discreet and comfortable solution to achieving a straighter smile without the look of traditional metal braces. As always, you’ll want to consult with your orthodontist to see if clear braces are a good choice for you.
If you’re looking to straighten your smile with clear braces, Carolina Braces is the orthodontist for you. We’ve been helping our patients with their orthodontic needs using state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans. Get started by scheduling your free consultation today.