Clear or ceramic braces are a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. They are made using clear or tooth-colored brackets, helping them blend in better with your natural teeth. Dr. Angela at Palm Beach Orthodontics offers many different ways to straighten teeth, including ceramic braces. Here are some steps to expect when getting clear braces:
1. Consultation
Meeting with an orthodontist like Dr. Angela is the first step to getting clear braces. This visit lets your orthodontist evaluate your teeth, jaws, and bite to help you choose a suitable straightening solution. Clear ceramic braces function similarly to traditional metal braces. This makes them ideal for children, older teens and adults who want their treatment to be less noticeable. During the consultation, your orthodontist will identify which concerns the ceramic braces need to address. This can include crooked, crowded, or overlapped teeth. Clear braces also fix gaps and bite issues. Your orthodontist may use different diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and photographs, to help with their diagnosis. X-rays allow them to better visualize the position of your teeth and roots to customize your treatment appliances. Photographs are useful for tracking your progress throughout treatment.
2. Treatment Plan
After identifying and discussing your needs, your orthodontist will create a tailored treatment plan to straighten your teeth. This plan covers which appliances will be used, such as ceramic brackets, elastic bands, and expanders, and how long the treatment will take. It also includes your expected outcomes, such as whether you will need fixed lingual wires and removable retainers after removing your braces. If your treatment plan has any potential challenges, like required tooth extractions, your orthodontist will explain them beforehand. They will also outline ways to maintain good oral hygiene with clear braces. Dr. Angela recommends brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing daily to protect your teeth and braces.
3. Brace Placement
Your orthodontist can place your clear braces once you understand and agree to your treatment plan. This process involves bonding ceramic brackets in a designated spot, placed by Dr. Angela on the tooth using specialized dental composite. Your orthodontist may also place metal bands around your back molars. These bands help anchor the arch wires, which are thin wires that run across the top and bottom rows of
your teeth. Your orthodontist attaches the arch wires to the ceramic brackets and secures them using small, clear or colored rubber bands. The entire process of bonding braces, placement of arch wires, instructions, and the presentation of all of your goodies typically takes one hour.
4. Adjustments
Your orthodontist may make adjustments to your treatment plan to make sure it meets the needs of your treatment goals. If you have specific bite issues, such as an overbite or underbite, your orthodontist can place small hooks on the brackets. These additions allow you to use elastic bands to pull your teeth in the proper direction, helping to correct your bite alignment. Other adjustments include adding springs or palate expanders to assist with tooth movement.
The orthodontist will also check the brackets and arch wires for any sharp or rough edges that could irritate the inside of your mouth. If they find anything, they may use a dental tool to smooth them out. Dr. Angela can also clip the arch wires at the back of the mouth to make them less noticeable. Until your mouth gets used to your new braces, you may use dental wax to make them more comfortable.
5. Follow-up
Ceramic braces are just as effective as metal braces for treating different dental issues. They apply the same principles and use gentle, consistent pressure to guide your teeth into their proper positions. Wearing them also requires regular follow-up appointments with your orthodontist. These visits let Dr. Angela monitor your progress and take new X-rays or photographs if needed. They allow your orthodontist to make minor adjustments to your arch wire or elastic bands to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. If you use rubber bands or other appliances, Dr. Angela will make sure they are functioning correctly. She may also adjust
Ask Dr. Angela About Clear Braces
Braces have many benefits, including straightening your teeth and addressing hard- to-clean areas caused by crookedness or overlapping. This can make it easier for you to brush and floss effectively, improving oral health. There are also several orthodontic options to choose from, including traditional, clear aligners, and clear braces. Choosing clear braces provides you with a more aesthetically pleasing way to align your smile and bite. If you prefer a less noticeable treatment option, contact Palm Beach Orthodontics today to ask Dr. Angela about clear braces.