Did you know that more than 28 percent of people do not like to show their smiles when talking or taking pictures to post on social media? Moreover, about 81 percent of people find their teeth to be unattractive and avoid smiling altogether. The main reason you become self-conscious about your smile is when you start comparing yourself to other people with straight teeth that brighten their smile. Unfortunately, your feelings can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. But the problem does not end there. When your teeth are not in the correct alignment, you are most likely to contract gum disease, tooth decay, chronic headaches, TMJ disorder, and even bad breath. It can also interfere with your chewing, jaw alignment, and digestion. But how do you avoid all these problems? Fortunately, you can straighten your teeth and rejuvenate your smile with the help of braces. Gone are the days when you had to fill your mouth with unsightly wire and bracket braces. Modern orthodontics has come a long way over the years, and you can now straighten your teeth and still maintain the confidence to flash a smile with clear teeth braces. Clear braces or invisible braces offer an aesthetic and barely visible alternative to the uncomfortable metal braces. Here is everything you should know about clear braces before you decide to use them for your treatment.
What are Clear Braces?
The term “clear braces” is not necessarily a dental term. But when in use, it mostly refers to either ceramic braces or clear teeth aligners. Ceramic braces are very similar to the traditional metal braces in their appearance and functionality. The only difference is that their brackets and wires are made of clear plastic. You can still find some ceramic braces that come in a tooth-colored variety. However, they can easily blend into the natural color of your teeth. Ceramic braces are much preferable to metal braces since they are less noticeable. It is the best option if you do not want to be self-conscious about wearing them. On the other hand, clear teeth aligners have a very different appearance altogether. It involves a series of clear plastic tray aligners that you can wear to straighten your teeth gradually. They are comfortable to wear, practical, and have an aesthetic appeal. Unlike any other braces, clear teeth aligner trays are removable, allowing you to talk with ease. They are a good alternative if you do not want people to see metal brackets on your mouth every time you smile or talk. The most common type of clear aligner is Invisalign. However, you can still find other brands such as ClearCorrect. Both types of braces are very effective at straightening teeth. The only difference is their appearance, how they work, their cost, and how they feel when wearing them. There is a third type of invisible braces that you may want to consider referred to as lingual braces. Though they are not necessarily invisible, they fit the invisible description due to their discreet nature when you wear them. Lingual braces still the traditional metal braces. However, you wear them on the back of the teeth surface instead of the front. You can therefore benefit from the traditional metal braces without the aesthetic drawbacks. So, how do these different types of braces work?Ceramic Braces: How do They Work
Ceramic braces use clear brackets, making them less visible than metal braces. You can find some brands with tooth-colored wires that further lower their visibility. By wearing them, you can enjoy your daily life without any anxiety about your appearance. Since they are more comfortable than metallic braces, you can participate in the activities that you would previously shy away from, such as singing and even smiling in public. It is best to use ceramic braces only when all your teeth are fully grown. This is because they help to speed up your teeth correction and prevent the brackets from breaking due to teeth movement. Ceramic braces are an excellent option for anyone that wants to reshape their teeth without drawing much attention to themselves. So, whether you attend college or work in a full-time job, you may want to consider using this form of treatment.How long is the treatment?
Although these braces are made from ceramic, the treatment time is similar to that of metal braces. This means that they can straighten your teeth in about 18 to 36 months. The time will depend on the delays you experience when visiting the orthodontist to replace and fix broken brackets. When your teeth move, they place more pressure on the brackets, often leading to them breaking. Therefore, they are less durable than metal braces. For this reason, it is advisable that you avoid activities that may cause a lot of mouth movement when wearing ceramic braces.Choosing the color of your ceramic braces
As you continue your treatment, the color of your braces can vary accordingly. Since the brackets are the parts in direct contact with your teeth, you can find them in white and other skin shades. Archwires connect the brackets and curve around your teeth, thus, applying pressure to straighten your teeth. You can find them in silver or white. They can also be frosted to match the color of the light-colored brackets. Elastic bands help to keep the archwire in position by attaching to hooks on the brackets. They play a crucial role in controlling the movement of your teeth. The elastic bands come in various colors. But what benefit do you get from wearing braces with color? Colored braces may help improve your confidence by showing a fun or fashionable side as you continue your treatment. Your color selection will mainly depend on whether you want to stand out or blend in. Some areas you can consider when choosing the color of your braces include:- The color of your eyes
- Your skin color
- Bright colors for summer and cool shades for winter
- Matching clothes
- Darker shades for a whiter teeth appearance
- Silver or grey to avoid standing out
Can ceramic braces stain?
You should clearly understand that the brackets of your braces do not stain since they are made to be resistant to discoloration. However, the clear elastic bands that hold the wire together can stain easily, making them more visible. The best way to avoid staining your braces is by being mindful of what you eat. Your braces stain mainly due to deeply colored foods and drinks such as tea, wine, and coffee. The dark pigments in such meals and drinks may stick onto the elastic bands of your braces, causing them to stain. Moreover, you can take additional measures of brushing and flossing your teeth right after eating and drinking. If you are not able to brush, you should try rinsing your mouth with water after every meal. You want to reduce the amount of time the colored food stays in contact with your braces. Additionally, it would be best to avoid smoking since it can lead to your teeth and braces’ yellowing.Wearing ceramic braces
Ceramic braces can be quite costly when compared to metal braces. They are also cheaper than both lingual braces and clear teeth aligners. However, it would be best to understand that the price you pay may vary depending on the dentist, location, and the length and complexity of your treatment. Ceramic braces are easy to install, come in multiple colors but are prone to discoloration due to inadequate maintenance. They can also break when under pressure forcing you to replace them often. Still, they are a great option if you want your dental treatment to be unnoticeable. Ceramic braces may be less durable than their metallic counterparts, but you will only need to wear them for a little longer to correct your bite. As you wear ceramic braces, you may be self-conscious at first. But since they do not cause any discomfort, the feeling will slowly subside. Your mouth may feel different as you talk and eat, but you will slowly get used to it. Remember, you need to provide the braces with extra care, such as avoiding certain meals, not participating in certain physical activities, and observing oral hygiene. By doing so, you can increase their durability and decrease your wearing time.Invisible Aligners: How do they Work
Invisible aligners are quite different from braces in their appearance. While braces use brackets and connecting wires, invisible aligners consist of a series of tight-fitting clear plastic mouthpieces that you can slip over your teeth. Not everyone can wear invisible aligners. Therefore, you need to first consult with your orthodontist on whether this solution is suitable for you. However, since the aligners are custom made, they are ideal for both young children and adults. Treating a young child’s teeth is not easy since they are continuously growing. Therefore, braces may not be ideal since the growing teeth’s strain may force them to break. Using an invisible aligner is a good alternative for growing and developing teeth. However, the doctor has to consider all other options before choosing the ideal treatment. Clear aligners work best for users that have moderate to no crowded teeth. It is also useful for users with teeth spacing issues. You may require a different kind of treatment if your teeth are overcrowded or have overbites, crossbites, and underbites. If an orthodontist recommends a clear aligner as the best treatment option, they will fit your teeth with various versions until the treatment period is over. Every new aligner you receive will make slight adjustments to your teeth, forcing them to get back to the desired position. Even though the invisible aligner is custom-made to fit tightly over your teeth, you can remove them anytime you want to eat, brush or floss.How long is the treatment?
The duration the treatment takes to correct your teeth will mainly depend on how much your teeth need to move or rotate. The more crooked your teeth are, the longer the treatment time. Usually, it takes about 4-6 months to correct your teeth using this treatment. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend using an invisible aligner after using braces for a long time. If so, you may wear them for less than ten weeks. Invisible aligners work best as refiners to a previous treatment since they are not as precise as braces. Therefore, you may only wear them for a short time. However, it mostly depends on the treatment recommendation that your dentist issues. Invisible aligners are more expensive than braces. The price may vary depending on the aligner’s brand, location, orthodontist, treatment plan, and whether the treatment is for an adult or child. On average, the aligner braces cost about $5000 to $6000.How to care for your clear aligners
Invisible aligners are a great option if you want to avoid wearing braces. Since they are clear, people will barely notice that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. They also make it easier to maintain better oral hygiene since they are removable. You can, therefore, brush and floss your teeth with ease. However, you need to take proper care of your aligners to ensure that they are in their best condition. Here are some of the best ways you can care for your invisible aligners.- Rinse your aligners once you remove them
- Only rinse with warm water
- Brush and floss your teeth before wearing them
- Avoid using toothpaste to clean the aligners
- Avoid drinking colored drinks