No teen or adult wants to advertise the fact that they are getting their teeth straightened. Thankfully, there are alternatives to traditional metal braces that allow people to discreetly straighten their smiles. One option is transparent braces, which consist of a clear plastic material that blends in with teeth. Read on to learn about 5 undeniable benefits of clear braces!
Invisibility
Unlike metal braces, transparent aligners are almost undetectable. These clear plastic aligners are custom-made for each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and effective treatment. The aligners are also removable, which enables individuals to straighten their teeth without having to abide by dietary restrictions and the discomfort of wires and brackets.
Invisible braces are a great option for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. However, it is important to consult with an orthodontist to ensure your unique treatment plan meets all of your dental needs and objectives.
To maximize your benefits, make sure you wear your invisible braces as instructed for the recommended amount of time. Those who are not compliant may experience longer treatment times and less effective results. Those with more complex cases may require alternative treatment options.
Less Staining
Like traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces exert pressure on a person’s teeth to help move them into the proper position. However, the clear or white ceramic brackets blend in with a patient’s natural tooth color, making them less noticeable than metallic braces.
Certain foods and drinks can stain clear braces, including dark sodas, tea, coffee, red wine, certain juices, chocolate, and food with brightly colored spices (turmeric, saffron, curry powders, etc). To reduce the likelihood of staining, patients should avoid these items or drink them through a straw.
Additionally, clear elastic bands (that hold the archwire in place) can discolor over time. This is a common issue, but it can be reduced by regularly brushing your teeth and rinsing with clear water after eating or drinking.
Comfort
Many patients appreciate that they don’t have to explain to others why their mouth is full of metal. Additionally, they don’t have to endure the discomfort that comes with wearing metal braces, which can result in sore cheeks and lips as well as constant abrasion.
With clear braces, food restrictions are less restrictive because the brackets aren’t as prone to breaking and chipping like their metal counterparts. However, you must still avoid hard or sticky foods because they can damage the brackets and wires and cause delays in your treatment.
It’s also important to brush and floss more frequently with clear braces because food can get stuck in between the teeth and can lead to decay. Keeping up with good oral hygiene will help to ensure that your treatment is on schedule without any complications.
Ease of Cleaning
Whether patients wear traditional metal braces or clear ones, it is important to remember that they still need regular care and cleaning. This ensures that the teeth and mouth remain healthy throughout the treatment.
While ceramic braces are a lot more durable than metal, they can still stain from certain foods and drinks. The reason is that they are porous and can absorb pigmentation from dark foods, including tomato sauce, berries, curry, red wine, and coffee.
As a result, those who have ceramic braces need to be careful about what they eat. They should also hydrate often to keep their saliva production high, which can help reduce the likelihood of stains. It’s also a good idea to use special orthodontic floss and floss threaders to ensure that no food remains between the teeth and the brackets.
Minimal Maintenance
While undergoing treatment, it is important to properly maintain clear braces. This includes daily cleaning, avoiding teeth-staining foods like soda, black coffee, and colored drinks, and flossing regularly to remove food particles from between the teeth and the brackets.
Moreover, patients should also maintain regular oral hygiene by brushing at least twice per day and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. They should also rinse their mouth with warm saltwater to minimize discomfort and reduce inflammation. They should also continue attending dental cleanings and checkups to prevent plaque buildup and to identify potential issues early. With proper care, clear braces can provide beautiful results for a lifetime. They are a great option for adults and kids of all ages. However, they do require more maintenance than traditional metal braces.