What Is the Right Situation for Clear Braces?
/What Is the Right Situation for Clear Braces?
Correcting Crooked Teeth
Clear braces are a great option for correcting teeth that are crooked. Not every child has the option of braces available to them, so as an adult, you may have grown to accept the fact that your smile is going to be what it is, and there’s not much that can be done about it. However, cosmetic braces are an excellent option for adults who are looking for a gentle solution that can help you achieve that straighter smile.
There are some good health reasons to consider straightening crooked teeth as well. Teeth that are crooked or that overlap with each other can be more difficult to clean. Even if you use the best tools available to you and are very thorough, there may be plaque buildup that is difficult to reach. This buildup will eventually harden into tartar, which can lead to gum disease and contribute to tooth decay.
Correcting Spaced Teeth
If you’re unhappy with the spacing between your teeth, cosmetic braces can help reign in your smile a bit, by gently and gradually bringing your teeth closer together. Most commonly, someone may seek out having the gaps between their teeth lessened for visual reasons. In some cases, it can also help to reduce the possibility of food particles becoming lodged between the gaps in your teeth.
Giving Fast, Effective Results
If you’re looking for fast results, look no further. Does six months sound too good to be true? By using the best available dental techniques and technology, we can utilize cosmetic adult braces to safely move your teeth so you can enjoy results in only six months. Since these braces are especially well-suited for cosmetic purposes, we target the teeth that show when you smile, which allows us to work quickly.
Avoiding a Mouthful of Metal
Many adults shy away from the idea of braces due to not wanting to be even more self-conscious about their teeth for six months. That’s why clear braces are an excellent choice for adults. They are discreet, designed to blend into your smile as much as possible. Our goal is to help you achieve a smile that you’re proud of, not one you want to hide.
Offering a Higher Level of Comfort
When people hear how fast the results are, they often assume cosmetic braces are just regular braces being drastically and hastily tightened. This isn’t true. Since the goal of these braces isn’t to correct your bite position, the teeth don’t have to be moved to the same extent that they are with traditional braces. That can actually make cosmetic braces more comfortable and less noticeable than wearing regular braces.
Choosing a Safe Option
Tooth extraction is rarely a part of this treatment option, and we are able to use lighter forces for cosmetic braces when compared to traditional braces. That means that the risks associated with braces, such as root damage, are even lower in these cosmetic braces than they are with traditional ones. The utilization of modern technology means that pursuing straight teeth in adulthood has never been safer or easier.
Choosing a Less Invasive Option Than Many Alternatives
Clear braces are an alternative to other teeth straightening treatments, such as surgery, that can run up the bill or involve a lengthier and more invasive process. Instead of being held back by the thought of more expensive or intimidating treatments, cosmetic braces can provide a more affordable and attainable option when it comes to correcting your teeth.
Is There Any Other Information You Should Know?
As you continue to consider whether clear, cosmetic braces are right for you, there are several things that will be helpful to keep in mind.
This Will Not Provide a Major Bite Alteration
If you’re looking to have your teeth straightened for cosmetic reasons, this is a great choice. These braces are primarily focused on correcting teeth to increase confidence and satisfaction with how your teeth look. What these particular braces aren’t designed for is correcting major bite issues, or other issues regarding the teeth that need more specific treatment.
If you have doubts about whether cosmetic braces are going to do what you want them to, reach out for a consultation. During a consultation, we can discuss your goals and evaluate your teeth. Afterward, we will be able to give you a realistic idea of what steps we can take to achieve your goals. We can also give you all the information you need to help you make the right call.
You Will Have to Wear a Retainer
We know it’s a bummer, but wearing a retainer is an important step when it comes to maintaining the straight teeth you’re working towards. Depending on your needs and your preferences, we can work to find the right retainer for you. Thankfully, there are several retainer options that are commonly available.
Clear Removable Retainer
This plastic retainer is made out of a mold that is taken from your mouth. As such, it is designed to fit like a glove over your teeth to hold them in the exact place they need to be. Since they go over your teeth, they can offer protection against tooth wear due to teeth grinding during sleep.
They are barely noticeable when worn, which is ideal for when you are wearing them full-time. Even if you are just wearing them at night, it’s nice to know that if you happen to forget them and leave them in, it’s unlikely that anyone would notice. When worn and maintained correctly, this type of retainer should last several years.
Bonded or Fixed Retainer
This kind of retainer is often called permanent due to the fact that this type of retainer does not often need to be replaced, and is glued in. However, when it is no longer needed, or if a patient wants to replace it with a temporary retainer, it can be removed. The nicest aspect of this retainer is that it can’t be lost or misplaced, it’s always exactly where it needs to be.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to a fixed retainer is you will have to remember to clean it when you brush your teeth. Other than that, you’ll just have to be mindful not to eat anything too hard, which you will probably be avoiding anyway while you have your cosmetic braces.
Hawley Wire Retainer
This is the classic retainer, and probably the type most people are familiar with. Like the plastic removable retainer, it is designed from a mold of your mouth and teeth to make it a perfect fit. The wires of this retainer can be adjusted as little or as much as needed, and can be repaired as well. They are long-lasting.
Unlike the clear retainer, this retainer option won’t protect your teeth against grinding. If tooth grinding is something you struggle with, then the clear retainer may be a better fit for you.
Additional Tips for Retainer Wear
Any removable retainer can be lost, so we urge our patients that if it isn’t in your mouth, it should be kept in a consistent location. Make sure you clean them properly, both to promote longevity, and also so you aren’t adding plaque back into your mouth when you put them on. Pets are particularly excited about chewing on retainers, so keep them well out of reach of your furry friends.
Wearing and caring for retainers as directed will both assist and maintain the quick results of your cosmetic braces.
Clear Braces FAQ
1. Why Does It Take Six Months?
Six months is what we need to be able to gently move your teeth into a straighter position. While six months is a short amount of time compared to traditional braces, we want to assure you that no corners will be cut when we fit you for your cosmetic braces. We use high quality, durable material, and with our focus limited to your front teeth, six months is all that is required.
2. Who Is a Good Candidate?
Almost any adult is a good candidate. As mentioned before, this is meant as a cosmetic treatment, so it isn’t designed to correct major issues with your bite. If you are over 16 and looking to straighten the teeth that show up when you’re smiling, cosmetic braces are very likely to be a good fit for you.
Of course, if you have any questions about the process or about whether or not you may be a candidate, we would be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns during a consultation.
3. What if I Want To Pursue Braces, but I’m Nervous About Going To the Dentist?
Being scared of having work done on your teeth is a very common fear, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Sometimes this fear is so severe it prevents people from pursuing regular teeth cleaning, which puts their health at risk. Other times, patients will only go when absolutely necessary, but the thought of going for cosmetic purposes seems almost impossible.
Our practice understands that this process can be stressful. That’s why we have poured so much energy into making our environment as soothing as possible. With a backdrop of calming music, we offer WiFi so you can stay connected in our office. We also offer blankets and pillows, for that extra calming touch. Every step of the way, our compassionate team will be here to help you.
Are You Ready To Pursue Your Best Smile?
Even as an adult, it’s not too late to get the smile you always wanted, without it being a huge hassle. If you’re ready to pursue your dream smile, contact Mas’ood Cajee DDS MPH of Manteca, CA, today for a consultation! We believe in putting our patients first, so your experience with us will be centered around your comfort, what you want, and the best way we can help. We can’t wait to see you!
