Clear Braces Livermore, CA
People who wear clear braces can improve their smile inconspicuously. This type of teeth alignment adjuster is also known as clear wire braces or ceramic braces. Clear braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces to straighten teeth. They provide aesthetic benefits and health-related ones.
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing the right type of braces. It is important to do your research to determine if you are the right candidate for clear braces. Clear braces are available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. Give our office a call at (925) 344-3993 and schedule an appointment to learn more.
How Clear Braces Work
Clear braces work the same way as traditional braces. Each tooth has a bracket that holds a wire, which curves around the teeth and applies pressure to push teeth into proper alignment. The key difference between clear braces and conventional metal braces is the material. Clear braces typically consist of clear or tooth-colored ceramic. Cosmetic dentists may also offer clear or tooth-colored wires and elastic bands, as well.
The cosmetic dentist takes measurements, impressions, and X-rays of the mouth to create a bite model and the appropriate treatment plan. At a follow-up appointment, the patient receives brackets and the first wire, which is relatively loose. In subsequent appointments, the orthodontist will continue to check the progress and tighten the wire to pull teeth progressively closer to the goal. Patients finish treatment once the teeth reach the desired alignment.
“The key difference between clear braces and conventional metal braces is the material.”
Candidates For Clear Braces
Clear braces are a good option for those who want to wear braces without feeling self-conscious. Candidates should have all their adult teeth and have stopped growing, as ceramic braces can break if there is too much movement. This recommendation means most teenagers and adults are eligible for this type of alignment.
Children are often not good candidates for clear braces, as their mouths are still developing. Those who have more complex issues of the teeth, bite, and mouth should look into a more traditional option. Ceramic is less durable than metal, so those involved in extracurricular activities that involve a lot of mouth movement or contact sports may want to consider more durable metal braces.
“Clear braces are a good option for those who want to wear braces without feeling self-conscious.”
Determining if Clear Braces Are the Right Option
When deciding whether clear braces are the right option, patients should consider the various benefits and drawbacks of these devices. A major benefit of clear braces is that they are less visible than metal braces. Patients can customize the color of the clear braces by choosing either clear or tooth-colored ceramic bracket materials.
Clear braces are also quicker than other less visible alternative orthodontic options. While clear braces are not easily stained, the elastic wires can. Patients must maintain proper oral hygiene to protect clear braces from staining, which defeats the purpose of the discrete orthodontic appliance.
“Patients can customize the color of the clear braces by choosing either clear or tooth-colored ceramic bracket materials.”
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What to Expect During Clear Braces Treatment
The length of clear braces treatment will vary for each patient depending on their malocclusions. Typically, patients with clear braces will undergo treatment for about a year and a half to three years. Clear braces treatment may take longer than metal braces due to their less durable material.
As the patient's teeth move, the ceramic brackets may need replacing to prevent breakage from pressure. This replacement results in a slower adjustment time and a longer straightening process since broken brackets can cause additional treatment delays. A 2016 study found that clear braces are more than twice as likely to break as traditional metal braces.
“Typically, patients with clear braces will undergo treatment for about a year and a half to three years.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for clear braces?
Q. What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of clear braces?
Q. How long does clear braces treatment take?
Q. What is the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. How should people take care of their teeth after a smile makeover?
Q. What is the difference between clear aligners and traditional braces?
Q. What are the types of cosmetic treatments?
Q. What types of restorative dental procedures are available?
Differences Between Clear Braces and Other Orthodontic Options
Clear braces and clear aligners both serve as alternatives to traditional metal braces. Each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks that patients should keep in mind. Clear braces work similarly to traditional metal braces but use clear materials to make them more discreet. Clear braces are a highly effective form of orthodontic treatment and can treat most alignment issues that traditional braces can. Clear braces are more effective than clear aligners in severe cases and are often less expensive. Unlike aligners, clear braces are not removable, resulting in continuous treatment.
A drawback of clear aligners is that patients must take out their clear aligners during teeth cleaning and eating. This removability can result in the patient losing or misplacing their aligner, halting treatment until a new set arrives. The new set may take several weeks to come, and teeth may slip back into place during that time. A study in BMC Oral Health found that although clear aligners and braces were both effective in treating malocclusion, clear aligners were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling teeth torque, and retention. Clear braces are more effective than clear aligners in severe cases and are often less expensive.
“A study in BMC Oral Health found that although clear aligners and braces were both effective in treating malocclusion, clear aligners were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling teeth torque, and retention.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I change what I eat when I have clear braces?
A. Yes, patients should modify their diets while wearing braces of any sort to avoid damage. Patients should avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods, as these are likely to break brackets. Limiting drinks and foods that can stain and discolor is also recommended.
Q. Should I take any precautions before playing a sport?
A. Patients who play sports or engage in other physical activities during treatment should take necessary precautions to prevent potential damage. Patients should wear a mouthguard to protect the braces while playing sports. The mouthguard will prevent any impact from damaging the braces or hurting the inside of the mouth.
Q. What do I need to do after my clear braces treatment is over?
A. Most patients receive retainers after treatment is completed. Retainers are worn at night to help keep the teeth in alignment. It is also important to continue good dental hygiene to protect the teeth.
Q. Will I experience any pain with clear braces?
A. There may be some discomfort during treatment as braces cause the teeth to move. This discomfort is most apparent when the patient first gets them and following wire tightening. However, clear braces' ceramic material is less abrasive to the gums and sides of the mouth than traditional metal braces.
Q. Are clear wire braces completely invisible?
A. No, clear braces are not completely invisible. Even the most subtle orthodontic treatments may be noticeable if someone is looking closely. However, they are distinctly less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
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Clear braces are a great way to achieve a beautiful smile without feeling self-conscious about visible braces. Contact Livermore Dental Spa at 925-344-3993 and learn more about clear braces and whether it is the right tooth straightening option for you.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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