Clear Braces — Self-Ligating Clear Braces
Having braces doesn’t have to be a depressing moment in life. With clear ceramic self-ligating braces, most people won’t even know you have braces. The brackets are smaller and transparent, so they blend with the color of your teeth.
Beauty and Performance Come Together with Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear braces are technologically advanced. The ceramic bracket system works the same as traditional metal braces. It straightens your teeth using the science we have relied on for hundreds of years. Hundreds of years? Braces have been used from 400 to 300 BC, although they are much improved with modern procedures and materials. With clear self-ligating braces, you will be confident to smile during and after treatment. Your journey to a beautiful smile can begin today.
Clear braces use the principle of tension to shift teeth into alignment. To make this work, the doctor affixes brackets to your teeth and then connects the archwire to each bracket. As the doctor tightens the archwire, the tension creates the force that pulls your teeth into proper alignment. During each adjustment appointment, the doctor can shift the amount of tension to specific teeth, guiding the movement toward your final perfect smile.
Aesthetically-Pleasing and Efficient
Clear ceramic self-ligating brackets have a slim profile making them more comfortable, less visible, and more aesthetically pleasing. When used with a white archwire, clear braces blend with your natural smile and reduce visibility. Self-ligating braces are available in two types:
- Active brackets use a spring clip with a sliding mechanism. The clip applies pressure, securing the archwire and creating active force to assist in moving teeth.
- Passive brackets use a sliding mechanism but do not apply pressure to the wire.
Clear braces still require adjustments by the orthodontist throughout your treatment period. Still, they do have several advantages over their traditional metal counterparts:
- Less discomfort
- Quicker results in many cases
- Fewer adjustment office visits
- Easier oral hygiene and maintenance
The archwire is secured with small rubber bands (elastics) or wires with traditional braces.
Does Having Braces Hurt?
You will experience minor discomfort with clear braces. With self-litigating braces, patients have reported that the first day is the worst, but after that, discomfort is almost non-existent. You will have some discomfort following adjustments, but over-the-counter pain relievers should be sufficient in alleviating the feeling.
One of the primary causes of discomfort is adjusting to the hardware rubbing inside your mouth. Dental wax can be applied to the brackets causing discomfort to ease the friction. If you feel more than slight discomfort, you should contact Spain Orthodontics and discuss it with a staff member. They can offer pointers and schedule you for an appointment if there is a problem.
Caring for Your Self-Ligating Clear Braces
Having braces means taking special care of your teeth. Although you will have the same general routine (brushing two or more times daily and flossing daily), the process may take a few minutes longer. Although you should avoid some foods while you have braces, there are plenty of braces-friendly foods and snacks for you to enjoy. Once you learn the tricks to flossing, your routine will fit into your regular schedule.
Clear Braces Can Transform Your Smile
Clear braces are an effective and efficient alternative to traditional metal braces. The self-ligating brackets make them an excellent tool for Dr. Spain to perfect your smile.
If you are interested in a lower-profile way to straighten your teeth, talk to Dr. Spain about Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®. This nearly invisible system of clear tray aligners is a great fit for busy lifestyles at school or work. They are cost-effective and easy to use. Invisalign is a patient-centered treatment requiring dedication to transforming your smile.
