Clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that help to straighten your teeth and fix mild to moderate misalignment and bite issues. They are different from traditional braces in that they are made from clear, plastic aligners as opposed to brackets and wires. However, they are not always a good option for everyone. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of clear braces to consider before you decide if they are right for you.
Advantage: They Can Be Removed
Unlike regular braces, clear braces are actually removable. While you still need to wear them for the majority of the day, you take them out while eating and while brushing and flossing your teeth. This is a major benefit since a drawback to regular braces is that brushing and flossing is difficult. With clear braces, you don't have to worry about trying to remove food particles from the brackets or floss around the wires. You also get to eat without wearing them, which is a major bonus.
Disadvantage: Clear Braces Aren't Effective For Severe Misalignment or Bite Issues
Clear braces are meant for more mild or moderate issues, not severe spacing problems. If you have large space between your teeth, you might need traditional braces so the metal wires can pull those teeth together more efficiently. However, if you just have small gaps and minor overlapping of teeth, these will work great for you. If you have an overbite, crossbite, or underbite, you most likely need traditional braces to correct it. Mild bite problems might be fixed with clear braces, but most do need stronger braces to correct the problem.
Advantage: These Are Not As Visible
While not completely 'clear', it is true that clear braces are hard to see. When you have metal braces, it is obvious even from a distance that you are wearing them. Even ceramic braces can be more noticeable than clear braces. While these plastic aligners are not 100 percent invisible, they blend in well with your teeth, giving you more self-confidence while wearing them. They are an ideal choice for teens and adults that want to correct their smile without wearing shiny metal in their mouth.
Disadvantage: You Need to Brush and Floss More Often
If you are not accustomed to brushing and flossing more than twice a day, now is the time to get used to it. Some people do find it inconvenient that you need to brush and floss after every meal or snack. When you eat with clear braces, you remove the aligners, which is definitely a benefit. However, in order to keep food debris out of the aligners when you put them back on, you need to remove that debris from your teeth by flossing and brushing. It is recommended that you do it after each time you eat. On the bright side, your teeth and gums will be healthier than ever before.
Share9 June 2016
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
