I’ve heard of normal braces, but what are clear braces?

Clear braces essentially perform the same task as traditional ‘train track’ braces, in that they apply pressure in the right areas to move the teeth into a more desirable position. The main difference between the two systems is that they are made up of very different materials and they don’t look the same at all;

Traditional metal braces – These consist of metal brackets that are glued to the front of the teeth and then joined together with a wire, which gradually pulls them into alignment. This type of orthodontic device can work with most cases, and is still widely used throughout the UK, to deal with patients who have extremely crooked or misaligned teeth. Metal braces can take some getting used to, they can initially cause pain as the teeth get used to the pressure, and they need to be cleaned carefully every day, otherwise food debris and bacteria will build up around the components.

Clear braces – This kind of appliance is normally called an aligner, but occasionally referred to as ‘invisible braces’. A clear resin shield is vacuum-formed over a mould of the patients teeth, so that it fits perfectly, then it is clipped into the patients mouth, where it should stay for about twenty-two hours of the day, for around three weeks. Systems that use aligners will normally require more than one device, as a single aligner has limited movement. Clear braces are generally considered to be more adaptable than metal ones, because they can be removed while the patient eats and they are simple to clean.

Which braces should I get for my teeth?

That depends on their overall positioning and condition, and the advice of your orthodontist. Clear braces may not be suitable for you if you have severe misalignment or problems with your bite, so your dentist might prescribe some metal braces to deal with the spacing issues. Even if you can’t have an aligner, there are various other options open to you, such as lingual braces  – which are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front, or ceramic ‘train tracks’ that are coloured to match the shade of your natural enamel, so they are less noticeable.

You should always bow to the experience of your dentist on matters like this; they are trained to know which system will effectively deal with your individual circumstances. Of course, you can always discuss your budgetary constraints with them beforehand, but don’t assume that just because you can afford clear braces they are necessarily going to be what’s best for you.

How can clear braces be more comfortable than metal ones?

When metal components are cemented to the teeth, they apply a significant amount of pressure all at once, over an extended period of time – sometimes two or three years, whereas clear braces are designed to perform gradually, without pushing the teeth too aggressively. Each aligner moves the teeth a small distance, then another one is fitted to complete that movement, this means the teeth are under a smaller amount of constant pressure and the device is therefore more comfortable. It is also fairly typical that metal brackets rub or irritate the gums, as the patient gets used to them, simply because they are made out of durable material and the soft tissue in our mouths is quite delicate. Clear braces should not have any similar problems because they have no protruding parts and they use acrylic resin instead of metal, which is much friendlier on the gums.

How much are clear braces?

As more and more patients become aware of new dental techniques for straightening teeth, the demand for clear brace systems grows, which does mean that they are going to cost a bit more than traditional methods. However, if your dentist deems you suitable for an aligner, you really should go for it; they are thought to be more comfortable, very effective, and less noticeable than their metal counterparts. If money is an issue for you – and it is for most working people in the UK these days – there may be some finance plans you can discuss with your dentist; most surgeries work with insurance companies who can arrange for you to pay for your treatment in instalments. The reason clear braces cost more than metal ones is that they are individually moulded to fit each patients teeth, metal brackets come in a generic size and shape that is used on every patient who is fitted with them.

Where can I get clear braces from?

There are plenty of surgeries in the UK that offer clear braces in one form or another, there are various different systems to choose from, such as Simpli5 – which uses five aligners to reposition the teeth, and Invisalign, or you could perhaps benefit from an Inman aligner, which combines the plastic structure of clear braces with the metal components of traditional orthodontics. The clinic you chose will often have to be registered with the company manufacturing the devices, in order to legally supply them to their patients; this is to make sure that you are getting the real thing and not a cheap, ineffective replica. Dentists should be able to provide you with proof of their training and affiliation with the parent companies, if they can’t, chose a different clinic.

The best way to find a decent provider is to ask around your family or work colleagues, to see if any of them have experiences with surgeries in the area, and you should definitely check the internet for testimonials regarding prospective clinics. Don’t worry about feeling silly whilst talking about braces, there are plenty of adults who are taking advantage of technological advances in the field, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be one of them; clear braces can allow you to undergo orthodontic treatment without anyone even noticing. For the latest brace systems, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and arrange a consultation today; the fully-qualified team are waiting to help fix your smile and give you your confidence back.