No one said that clear braces were only for youth. In fact, we are treating more and more patients who are near retirement age and ready to improve their smile. There is no time like the present and we can assist you, regardless of age.
Even adults struggle with the idea of having to wear metal braces on their teeth. While effective, metal braces are obvious and cumbersome. After years of not wearing orthodontics, some adults may be searching for something more discreet than metal braces. In this case, we have two options to consider.
There are two main types of clear braces:
Like a full retainer, clear aligners surround the teeth. While people need to wear the clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day, the clear aligners are removable. With clear aligners, the patients have a chance to influence the straightening process by removing the aligners to eat, take a photo, give a presentation and more. If a patient elects to wear clear aligners, we will create the entire set of aligners at the beginning. The patient will wear each aligner for around two weeks time and will replace the current one with the next aligner in the series.
Gradually, the aligners move teeth into the correct position until they are straight. The process requires fewer visits to our office since the patient switches out the aligners at home and on a regular basis. However, the greatest benefit of clear aligners is the discreet appearance and the ability to remove them when necessary.
Ceramic braces have a similar build to traditional braces. A professional follows the same process by securing the brackets onto the teeth and threading a wire between them. The difference is that ceramic braces are tooth-colored and provide patients with a clear appearance that other people have difficulty noticing. As such, when one smiles or speaks, the braces are impossible to see from a distance and difficult to notice closeup. Some patients elect to have ceramic braces because they do not want to think about putting aligners in and want something more permanent.
One factor to keep in mind with this option is that people must brush their teeth after eating or else stains can develop, making the clear brackets yellow in appearance. Both are excellent options and we can let the patient know which solution would work best for straightening the teeth after conducting an examination.
We can correct malocclusion with clear braces of both varieties. These products will gradually and carefully straighten the teeth over time. It is essential that we do not rush the process to prevent damaging the roots. Orthodontics can also help to align the patient's bite.
If the bite is out of alignment due to the position of teeth, we can correct this by using aligners or ceramic braces. However, if the actual jaw needs to move, we are likely to recommend ceramic braces in combination with other treatments. In extreme cases, patients may also need surgery. We can provide specific recommendations after examining you.
Find out if clear braces are right for you and what to expect from the process by visiting our Bakersfield dental office today.
Clear braces and other orthodontic advances make teeth straightening treatment more attractive to many patients. From clear aligners to ceramic braces, these innovative treatments allow patients to align their smiles without noticeable metal brackets and wires. Thanks to these alternatives, teeth straightening has become more accessible to those who want to avoid traditional metal braces.Traditional…
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…
Nowadays, there are a handful of options when it comes to adult invisible braces. Gone are the days when people had no choice but to wear bulky metal braces that can sometimes look more like a TV antenna than a dental device. A mouthful of unattractive metal brackets and braces is no longer a part…
Invisalign has become one of the most popular brands for clear aligners. People with crooked teeth are turning to Invisalign to renew their smile and improve oral health. Although Invisalign is said to be an easy orthodontic treatment, there are still a few things that are important to be aware of. Like all teeth straightening treatments,…
When the smile is missing a tooth or three, a general dentist may recommend dental bridges to restore its appearance and functionality. Even a single missing tooth can cause difficulties with eating and speaking. It also leaves room for the remaining teeth to shift, leading to a misaligned bite. While traditional and implant-supported dental bridges…
Curious about dental bridges? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. The aftermath of tooth loss can be a struggle. The loss puts extra pressure on the rest of the teeth and chewing becomes less effective. Your speech gets affected too. Fortunately, dental bridges lay out a path to restoring the look…