Are you unhappy, conscious or embarrassed with your smile? Do cover your mouth while speaking, laughing or smiling? Then braces are the solution for you. Though dental treatments primarily focus on good oral hygiene and healthy teeth, they also include several cosmetic procedures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of teeth with several imperfections. Braces are usually used to arrange misaligned teeth in the most effective manner. Clear braces or aligners are an aesthetic alternative to conventional wire and metal braces. Read on to know everything about this innovative orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces or aligners are a set of removable custom fit aligners for your teeth to improve their position. They do not have any metal brackets or wires ensuring minimal discomfort. These are not permanent fixtures on your teeth and can be removed while performing routine activities like eating, drinking, brushing or flossing.
These are provided in sets by with each new aligner being worn for a specific period of time. The teeth gradually adjust and realign themselves to a new position. After this, the next set of aligners is provided depending upon the progress of treatment that is determined by your dentist who provides clear braces in Lincolnshire.
Pros and Cons of Clear Braces
Pros
- Barely noticeable
- Less Painful
- Minimal discomfort to tongue, cheek and gums
- Removable making it easy to eat, drink, brush, floss, etc.
- Allows you to ear all kinds of food
- Easy to use, clean and maintain
- Prevents plaque build up
- Lesser visits to the dentist
- Minimal impact on everyday life
- No invasive procedure
Cons
- More expensive than traditional braces
- Prone to damage while handling
- Needs determination to wear them for long hours
- Available only with dentist or orthodontist
- Costly maintenance
- Can cause initial discomfort and mild pain
Which Dental Conditions Can Be Treated with Clear Braces?
Overbite or overjet, widely spaced or crowded teeth and crooked teeth can be treated with the help of clear braces. This treatment can be done for children as well as adults. However, it is important to meet your dentist to find out whether your condition can be treated with clear braces or not.
How Long Does This Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment entirely depends on the condition of your teeth. It could take anything from a few weeks to several months. But the advantage with clear braces is that you can remove them whenever you want to. You need to wear them for at least 22 hours in a day for best results. Dentists evaluate progress during each visit before they give a new set of aligners till desired results are achieved.
How Much Do Clear Braces Cost? Do I Have to Pay My Dentist Upfront?
Clear braces in Lincolnshire usually cost more than traditional braces and also because they are customized. The cost is determined by the type, duration, dental professional, additional treatment, etc. You can check with your dental insurance provider or financing options with your dentist’s office.
It is not necessary for you to pay your dentist upfront because many of them offer easy monthly payment plans to suit every pocket.
How Are Clear Braces Made?
Many dental offices offer free consultations for the first time patients interested in clear braces. They are made after a dentist assesses your dental condition, takes three dimensional impressions and photos of your teeth and sends them to a laboratory that creates customized aligners for perfect fits. These are then sent back to the dentist’s office where they are tried on to check the fit. These aligners are provided in sets. It may take 2-3 days to adjust when you wear them for the first time.
Do Wearing Clear Braces Hinder Speech?
Clear braces usually do not affect speech. It may take a few days for a person to get used to wearing them and experience difficulty in speaking or pronouncing certain words. However, it is simply a matter of time and practice before a person gets habituated to these aligners.
Are These Braces Good for All Age Groups?
Yes. Clear braces can be used by children, teens as well as adults. People of every age group can use this treatment to improve the way their teeth look. Since these are virtually invisible, a person wearing them need not feel conscious about the way they look.
Now that you know all about clear braces, head straight to your dentist for realignment of your teeth and get the smile of your dreams!