Are There Clear Braces Options?

clear braces Bakersfield, CA

Clear braces are the way to go when wanting discreet teeth straightening. These devices make it possible to straighten teeth without having metal wires and brackets fill the mouth. Braces improve the alignment of teeth by gradually pushing them to a better alignment. Treatment times with clear braces are typically somewhere between one to two years.

The different types of clear braces

The term "clear braces" is often used to describe teeth straightening appliances that are hardly visible when worn. The two main types are:

1. Ceramic braces

These share a similar design with conventional metal braces, but they blend in with the patient's teeth a lot better. The metal brackets and wires that come with traditional braces are swapped with tooth-colored ceramic brackets and transparent wires. As a result, the patient gets an appliance that is virtually as effective as metal braces when it comes to straightening teeth but is difficult to notice in the wearer's mouth.

Like metal braces, ceramic braces are permanently fixed in place once installed by a dentist. Noteworthy facts about ceramic clear braces include:

  • Clear braces can be used to treat most of the orthodontic issues metal braces can be used to fix
  • Like metal braces, clear braces increase the patient's risk of tooth decay and gum disease
  • Ceramic braces do not irritate soft tissues in the mouth as much as metal braces because the materials are ceramic-based

2. Clear aligners

Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that are used to straighten teeth. These trays are transparent making them almost impossible to detect when worn, hence the clear braces name. Treatment with clear aligners involves getting a series of aligner trays at the beginning of treatment. These trays progressively push the patient's teeth towards better alignment. Each is worn for two weeks, which is the time it takes the tray to push the teeth to a position where the next set of aligners can take over.

Clear aligners are removable devices and that makes treatment more convenient for the patient. The aligners do not get in the way of meals or hinder the wearer's ability to clean their teeth. The person simply removes the aligners and reinserts them when they are done.  Other benefits of clear aligners include:

  • There is less of an adjustment period with clear aligners
  • Clear aligners sometimes lead to shorter treatment times
  • They only need to be worn for about 20 hours each day
  • They are easy to remove and insert
  • Aligners are the most discreet way to straighten teeth when it comes to clear braces

Lingual braces

There are not as common as clear braces, but they are less conspicuous than metal braces. Lingual braces are just like metal braces, but the wires and brackets are attached to the back of the patient's teeth instead of the front. As a result, lingual braces are not easily detected. However, they are the most uncomfortable type of braces which is why only a few patients decide to go this route.

Get started with clear braces!

Want to find out more about clear braces? Reach out today to get started. 

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

All About Fluoride Treatments From Your Family Dentist

A natural mineral found in teeth, fluoride is a treatment frequently recommended by a family dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, keeps teeth strong, and has been part of healthy oral hygiene for many years. This mineral has an incredible impact on the enamel of the teeth, the hard protective layer around the nerves. It also…

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…

A Family Dentist Discusses Healthy Living Techniques

Lifestyle choices are as important to good oral and dental health as visiting the family dentist twice per year. Establishing healthy day-to-day routines protects the teeth and gums and keeps mouth chemistry balanced. Develop good practices in children at a young age to help build habits that can last a lifetime. Making changes at any…

Standard Treatments To Expect From Your Family Dentist

Many people get the majority of dental care from a family dentist. These types of dentists are tasked with maintaining patients' oral health and may perform a variety of procedures to do so. From cleaning to crowns to exams, family dentists can cover the essentials of oral health. These are some of the most common…

Recent Posts

All About Fluoride Treatments From Your Family Dentist

All About Fluoride Treatments From Your Family Dentist

A natural mineral found in teeth, fluoride is a treatment frequently recommended by a family dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, keeps teeth strong, and has been part of healthy oral hygiene for many years. This mineral has an incredible impact on the enamel of the teeth, the hard protective layer around the nerves. It also…

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…