Uneven teeth, gapped teeth, slanted teeth, and crowded teeth can be safely and effectively straightened without obvious wire and bracket metal braces, thanks to clear braces. Depending upon your preferences, clear braces may be an excellent alternative to clear plastic aligners and traditional metal braces. Here’s everything to know about clear braces.
How Do Clear Braces Work?
Clear braces use the same tried and true method of straightening teeth that long-established metal braces provide. Using brackets and wires, your teeth will be gradually shifted into alignment thanks to adjustments made throughout your treatment. However, they differ from metal braces in that they use a unique material to make them much more discreet.
Polished sapphire is a translucent material that allows the natural color of your teeth to show through the brackets. Better still, polished sapphire is stain resistant, so you won’t need to worry about the clear brackets becoming yellowed like previous iterations of clear braces.
Although straighter teeth are the most visible benefit of treatment with clear braces, the treatment has a much more important benefit. Braces, whether clear or metal, improve the form and function of your teeth and jaw so that they remain healthy for years to come.
Am I a Candidate for Clear Braces?
All individuals who are eligible for regular braces will be approved for clear braces. If you have gum disease, it should be treated before you begin orthodontic treatment to correct your smile. Otherwise, all imperfections that could be treated with metal braces, can also be treated with clear braces. Clear braces can be used to correct:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Slanted teeth
- Open bites
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
- Issues affecting speech or chewing
- Protruding teeth
The length of time you’ll need to wear your braces will depend upon the severity of imperfections in your smile.
What Orthodontic Treatment is Best for Me?
If you’re unhappy with your smile, consult an orthodontist to learn more about your options for getting a straighter, even smile. In addition to clear braces made of polished sapphire, there are a variety of technologies and techniques available to provide you with corrections to your smile. Here are some of the orthodontic technologies that may be appropriate for you.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are a new technology that helps to minimize friction, allowing your teeth to move into proper alignment faster than ever.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic, removable alignment trays to gradually shift your teeth into place.
Gold Braces
Gold braces function just like clear braces and metal braces. However, each bracket is covered with a thin layer of 24 karat gold.
Metal Braces
Metal wire and bracket braces have been used for decades to correct smiles. They are safe and effective for young people and adults.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Las Cruces
Las Cruces Orthodontics treats patients of all ages. If you’re concerned about the way your child’s teeth are coming in, or your child is struggling with a bite, we can help. Likewise, if you’ve had enough of dealing with crooked teeth as an adult, Dr. Coombs is ready to give you a beautiful straight smile. Las Cruces Orthodontics is a top-reviewed orthodontic practice. Contact our friendly team today at 575-640-3367, or request an appointment online.