Clear Braces Quincy, IL
Clear braces are an innovation in dental technology that has given patients a way to straighten teeth less visibly than traditional metal braces. Like metal braces, clear braces can treat misaligned teeth and improve oral health. Clear braces are a type of braces with brackets and wires made of clear or less visible ceramic material.
People with misaligned and crowded teeth can achieve straighter bites and smiles subtly with clear braces. Our team at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Quincy and the surrounding area can help. Call us today at (217) 334-4312 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
How Clear Braces Work
Clear braces consist of plastic or ceramic brackets glued to each tooth. A wire made from metal or a white material connects the brackets. Over time, the wire pulls the teeth in different directions to straighten them. Researchers in dentistry explain that this movement occurs because of the bone tissue rebuilding process.
Clear braces take around 12 to 36 months to straighten teeth. Clear braces may take longer than metal braces to work because they consist of more fragile materials. The brackets on clear braces are replaced often to prevent breakage from pressure as teeth move. Low-quality ceramic braces can cause the brackets to break, resulting in an extended treatment time.
“Clear braces consist of plastic or ceramic brackets glued to each tooth.”
Candidates For Clear Braces
Clear braces are a good option for those who want to wear braces without feeling self-conscious. Candidates should have all their adult teeth and have stopped growing, as ceramic braces can break if there is too much movement. This recommendation means most teenagers and adults are eligible for this type of alignment.
Children are often not good candidates for clear braces, as their mouths are still developing. Those who have more complex issues of the teeth, bite, and mouth should look into a more traditional option. Ceramic is less durable than metal, so those involved in extracurricular activities that involve a lot of mouth movement or contact sports may want to consider more durable metal braces.
“Clear braces are a good option for those who want to wear braces without feeling self-conscious.”
Determining if Clear Braces Are the Right Option
When deciding whether clear braces are the right option, patients should consider the various benefits and drawbacks of these devices. A major benefit of clear braces is that they are less visible than metal braces. Patients can customize the color of the clear braces by choosing either clear or tooth-colored ceramic bracket materials.
Clear braces are also quicker than other less visible alternative orthodontic options. While clear braces are not easily stained, the elastic wires can. Patients must maintain proper oral hygiene to protect clear braces from staining, which defeats the purpose of the discrete orthodontic appliance.
“Patients can customize the color of the clear braces by choosing either clear or tooth-colored ceramic bracket materials.”
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What to Expect During Clear Braces Treatment
The length of clear braces treatment will vary for each patient depending on their malocclusions. Typically, patients with clear braces will undergo treatment for about a year and a half to three years. Clear braces treatment may take longer than metal braces due to their less durable material.
As the patient's teeth move, the ceramic brackets may need replacing to prevent breakage from pressure. This replacement results in a slower adjustment time and a longer straightening process since broken brackets can cause additional treatment delays. A 2016 study found that clear braces are more than twice as likely to break as traditional metal braces.
“Typically, patients with clear braces will undergo treatment for about a year and a half to three years.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for clear braces?
Q. What is the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?
Q. What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of clear braces?
Q. How long does clear braces treatment take?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some cosmetic dentistry treatment options?
Q. What restorative methods can help patients improve their smiles?
Q. How should people take care of their teeth after a smile makeover?
Difference Between Clear Braces and Clear Aligners
One of the major differences between clear braces and clear aligner trays, such as Invisalign, is the material and texture. While clear aligners provide a smooth, plastic design, clear braces provide the durability that comes with traditional braces. This allows clear braces to be both sturdy and discreet without the fragility and wear-and-tear of plastic.
Another difference between clear braces and aligners is their treatment time. Clear braces may require a slight increase in treatment time compared to traditional metal braces, but they typically require less than clear aligners because of the constant force being applied on the teeth. Lastly, clear braces cannot be removed for eating and drinking as clear aligners can, making it more difficult to keep up oral hygiene. However, patients undergoing clear braces treatment are given detailed instructions on care and maintenance practices for both the braces and teeth themselves.
“While clear aligners provide a smooth, plastic design, clear braces provide the durability that comes with traditional braces.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I change what I eat when I have clear braces?
A. Yes, patients should modify their diets while wearing braces of any sort to avoid damage. Patients should avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods, as these are likely to break brackets. Limiting drinks and foods that can stain and discolor is also recommended.
Q. Should I take any precautions before playing a sport?
A. Patients who play sports or engage in other physical activities during treatment should take necessary precautions to prevent potential damage. Patients should wear a mouthguard to protect the braces while playing sports. The mouthguard will prevent any impact from damaging the braces or hurting the inside of the mouth.
Q. What do I need to do after my clear braces treatment is over?
A. Most patients receive retainers after treatment is completed. Retainers are worn at night to help keep the teeth in alignment. It is also important to continue good dental hygiene to protect the teeth.
Q. Will I experience any pain with clear braces?
A. There may be some discomfort during treatment as braces cause the teeth to move. This discomfort is most apparent when the patient first gets them and following wire tightening. However, clear braces' ceramic material is less abrasive to the gums and sides of the mouth than traditional metal braces.
Q. Are clear wire braces completely invisible?
A. No, clear braces are not completely invisible. Even the most subtle orthodontic treatments may be noticeable if someone is looking closely. However, they are distinctly less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
Clear braces are a great way to achieve a beautiful smile without feeling self-conscious about visible braces. Contact Buffalo Prairie Dental at 217-334-4312 and learn more about clear braces and whether it is the right tooth straightening option for you.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 2019.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Adams County, Brown County, Marion County and Lewis County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Quincy, West Quincy, Taylor, Payson, Camp Point, Mendon, Mt Sterling and La Grange
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