When choosing teeth straightening options, you can choose clear braces, metal braces, self-aligning braces, or clear aligners. At Palm Beach Orthodontics, we offer all options. Here is what you should know about clear braces and other teeth-aligning options:
Braces: Clear or Traditional Metal
When looking at braces, you want to see a board-certified orthodontist to align teeth and fix your bite. Orthodontists are first dentists that will then complete an additional 2-3 years of education to become an orthodontist, and board certification can take an additional 5-10 years.
Braces are an effective method for correcting various dental issues, including misalignments, overcrowding, and bite problems. Treatment with clear or metal braces will consist of a series of arch wire changes to gradually move teeth throughout your teeth straightening journey. Regular oral hygiene practices such as flossing, use of an electric toothbrush, and routine cleanings with your dentist help with keeping your teeth healthy during the orthodontic treatment process. Elastic bands are used with braces to help align teeth and correction of various bite issues such as an overbite, underbite, or a crossbite.
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, offer a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires to straighten teeth gradually. The brackets are made from ceramic materials, providing strength and durability while blending in with the natural color of your teeth. These braces work similarly to traditional braces by exerting consistent pressure on the teeth to align.
These types of braces are more visually appealing than traditional metal braces. Clear braces offer pleasing aesthetics as well as a quick path to straighter teeth. At your orthodontic consultation, make sure to ask about the material of the clear braces the orthodontist uses, avoiding clear brackets that are made of plastic resulting in unwanted staining or yellowing during treatment.
Metal Traditional Braces
Metal braces are an effective method for correcting various dental issues, including misalignments, overcrowding, and bite problems. Metal braces consist of stainless steel brackets attached to the teeth and connected by metal wires. The durability and strength of metal braces make them a reliable option for individuals with more complex orthodontic issues.
Our metal braces here at Palm Beach Orthodontics are rhodium plated. Other orthodontists use a traditional stainless-steel bracket that is a darker, less appealing bracket.
Clear Plastic Aligners
Remember to see a board-certified orthodontist to align teeth and fix your bite. Orthodontists are first dentists that will then complete an additional 2-3 years of education to become an orthodontist. After that, board certification can take an additional 5-10 years. The outcome of your clear aligner treatment is only as good as the orthodontist you choose. Clear aligners are made with TruGEN – a nearly invisible, comfortable material that’s BPA, Mercury, latex, and phthalate-free. The aligners are designed to be worn over the teeth. They work by applying controlled, light force to specific teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. One of the main advantages of clear aligner treatment is the flexibility. They can be removed for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Keep in mind that deviating from the recommended wear time can impact the effectiveness of the aligners and prolong the overall treatment duration.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces share similarities with their traditional counterparts but come equipped with a different feature: Self-ligating brackets. Unlike traditional, open-twin brackets, where elastic bands are used to hold the arch wire in place, self-ligating braces use a unique mechanism within the brackets themselves. The brackets have a small door or clip that secures the arch wire in place, eliminating the need for external bands.
This design offers several advantages in terms of comfort, hygiene, and treatment efficiency. Another benefit of self-ligating braces is reduced friction during tooth movement. The absence of ligatures allows the arch wire to move more freely within the brackets. This allows for a smoother adjustment process, resulting in less discomfort for the patient, and may contribute to shorter overall treatment times compared to other braces.
Clear Braces and Palm Beach Orthodontics
At Palm Beach Orthodontics, Dr. Angela deFabrique-Abiusi can help you choose which teeth-aligning option best suits your needs. You can choose from self-ligating braces, clear braces, metal braces, and clear aligners. Contact us today to learn more about the types of braces and whether they are a suitable option for you.