Why Patients Prefer Clear Braces

Many patients suffering from crooked teeth will prolong seeking out their orthodontic treatment options because they want to avoid the inconveniences associated with traditional metal braces. While traditional metal braces will effectively straighten your teeth and realign your bite pattern, they also require several lifestyle adjustments that patients must make to ensure a successful treatment. If you are looking to avoid the inconveniences associated with traditional metal braces, learn why so many patients prefer clear braces below:

Understanding Metal Braces

Metal braces utilize a system of brackets and wires that are firmly secured to your teeth for the entire duration of your treatment plan. Monthly, you will need to schedule appointments with your orthodontist so that they can tighten the wires and change the bracket bands. The pressure created during these tightening appointments is what will encourage your teeth to shift into a straighter position. Meanwhile, patients must abide by certain dietary restrictions and take additional oral hygiene precautions to ensure that food residue does not collect around the orthodontic hardware. Additionally, excessively crunchy or chewy foods may easily damage the hardware and prolong your treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment of any kind can take several months or even years to complete. It’s important to consider the lifestyle adjustments associated with this treatment plan because while they are only temporary, it is important to abide by them until your smile makeover is complete.

Why Patients Prefer Clear Braces

While metal braces are firmly secured to your teeth for the entire duration of treatment, clear braces offer a discreet, removable alternative to orthodontic treatment. Made of a clear, plastic material that is durable and easy to clean, clear braces utilize a system of aligners that fit over your smile similar to how a retainer does. Patients are given all sets of aligners upfront so that they do not have to spend additional time at the dentist’s office for monthly appointments. Often, patients will be instructed to change to a new set of aligners once every two weeks. The aligners will slowly apply pressure to your teeth and encourage them to shift into a straighter position. Unlike metal braces, patients with clear braces are able to remove their orthodontic appliance on a daily basis to eat, drink, and brush their teeth. This means no dietary restrictions or oral hygiene hazards are needed to ensure proper treatment. Patients especially enjoy the removability of clear braces when it comes to special occasions like job interviews, first dates, or weddings. As long as you wear your clear braces on average of 20-22 hours a day, your treatment plan will progress as intended and you will achieve the beautiful results you desire.

Clear Braces in Burlington, NC

Our office provides clear braces in Burlington, NC. We offer both Invisalign and SureSmile. Clear braces are intended for patients suffering from mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. More severe cases may still require treatment with metal braces. To find out if you are a candidate for clear braces, schedule an appointment with Fuller Dental.