Braces are a versatile, efficient way to achieve a beautiful smile. They can treat orthodontic problems from gapped teeth to severe malocclusion.
Braces treatment averages about two years, depending on the complexity of your alignment issues. We can correct simple misalignments in under 12 months, but more complex cases may need up to three years.
How Braces Work
Braces work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth with a system of brackets, wires, and bands. Directed by your orthodontist, the teeth move gradually into ideal positions.
The parts of orthodontic braces are as follows:
- Molar Bands: These bands go around the back teeth, holding the wires in place.
- Brackets: The orthodontist cements small metal or clear brackets to the teeth, allowing the wire to create tooth movement.
- Archwires: To facilitate tooth movement, the orthodontist tightens the archwire every two to four weeks.
- Elastics: Tiny rubber bands encircle the brackets and hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating brackets (H4 braces) do not need elastics, and they work faster than standard metal braces.
Advantages of Braces
Improve Oral Health
Patients find it more challenging to keep crooked teeth clean. Poor oral hygiene can cause dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. After your braces come off, you will enjoy the convenience of keeping your teeth clean.
Build Self-Confidence
If you feel you need braces, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. A brighter, straighter smile can improve your quality of life and make you feel better about yourself.
Correct Bite Problems
Many bite problems, such as overbite and underbite, can cause jaw soreness and expose teeth to excess wear. Well-aligned teeth are better protected from damage.
Braces Options We Offer
Metal Braces
Classic metal braces are the strongest and most versatile option. They are also among the most affordable.
Clear Braces
Clear brackets are not as strong as metal, but they are appropriate for older teens and adults who want to treat their orthodontic issues with more discretion.
H4 Braces
This brand of self-ligating braces allows for faster treatment and does not require changing elastics.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces go on the inside surfaces of the teeth for complete discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How can I keep my teeth healthy with braces?
If you have braces, you need to take extra care to keep your teeth clean. Brushing and flossing may be more challenging, but doing so is vital to your lifetime oral health.
Brush carefully at a 45-degree angle, covering both the tops and bottoms of your brackets. Use an interproximal brush to clear food and debris from behind your wires. Use a floss threader to access your gums.
Are braces uncomfortable?
Your oral tissues will quickly adapt to wearing braces. If you experience discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Braces can improve your self-image and boost your oral health. For more information about braces, please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277. We would gladly schedule a consultation with Dr. Cos.
Invisalign® is a fast, discreet orthodontic system that teens and young adults prefer. While braces can take up to three years, Invisalign treatment typically lasts between nine and 18 months. Some patients may see permanent results sooner.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign uses 3-D digital technology to create a series of custom aligners made of advanced, medical-grade plastic. The aligners gradually move your teeth into ideal positions as you progress through the series.
Step 1: Consultation
You will meet your orthodontist to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Most older teens and adults with minor to moderate orthodontic issues meet the criteria.
You will discuss your treatment expectations with your orthodontist and have the opportunity to ask questions. Your orthodontist will create a clear treatment plan and ensure you understand the process.
Step 2: Design
To design the trays, your orthodontist will take digital impressions of your mouth using the proprietary iTero intraoral scanner. A digital impression is fast, comfortable, and significantly more accurate than the messy impressions you may remember.
Digital impressions allow your orthodontist to see your oral anatomy in 3-D and plan the movement of each tooth over time. Invisalign software helps to turn the designs into aligner plans.
Step 3: Manufacture
The orthodontist transmits the data to the Invisalign lab, where expert technicians create your aligners using advanced materials.
Step 4: Treatment
When your aligners return from the lab, you will have a fitting where your orthodontist will ensure they are comfortable and made accurately.
You will wear each aligner for roughly one to two weeks and change to the next in the series. You must see your orthodontist approximately every six weeks to check your progress.
In nine to 18 months, you will have a beautiful, well-aligned smile with no hassle and discomfort associated with traditional braces.
Step 5: Retainer
Retainer use after treatment is essential to protect your investment. Wearing your retainer as directed ensures that your teeth will settle in new positions and not slip back to their original locations.
Best Uses of Invisalign
The following orthodontic conditions respond best to Invisalign treatment:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Minor to moderate bite issues (overbite, underbite)
Advantages of Invisalign
Faster Than Braces
One of Invisalign’s top advantages is that it can be faster than braces for some orthodontic conditions.
Comfortable
Smooth plastic aligners have no sharp edges, brackets, or wires to irritate soft oral tissues. Since the aligners fit close to your natural teeth, you may forget you are wearing them.
Discreet
Many teens and adults feel anxious about braces because they believe the treatment will attract unwanted attention. Invisalign allows patients to keep their orthodontic work private.
Improved Oral Health
Compared to braces, Invisalign patients have significantly better gum health. Removable trays allow patients to keep their teeth cleaner, reducing their chance of gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat What You Like
With Invisalign, you will not need to stop eating your favorite foods. Steak, apples, popcorn, corn on the cob, and candy can stay on the menu.
Tips for Success With Invisalign
- Practice excellent oral hygiene, brushing your teeth and flossing as your orthodontist recommends
- Thoroughly clean your aligners daily, avoiding hot water and abrasive toothpaste
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat, drink, and keep them clean
- If you lose or damage an aligner, inform your orthodontist as soon as possible to obtain a replacement
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Patients should have excellent oral hygiene habits. They should be responsible enough to follow directions and wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. They should have all their permanent teeth, no missing teeth, and their jaws should have finished growing.
Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?
While many general dentists receive training to prescribe Invisalign, only a qualified orthodontist can provide expert care. Orthodontists receive years of additional training in the science of moving teeth and creating permanently beautiful smiles.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you want to pursue Invisalign treatment, please call our Newington, CT office at 860-667-8277. Dr. Cos would enjoy meeting you and explaining how Invisalign can change your life one tooth at a time.
Invisalign® provides impressive results with few of the drawbacks of traditional braces. Comfortable, quick, and discreet, Invisalign can help transform your smile.
Invisalign uses a series of graduated aligners to shift teeth into their best positions gently. Each aligner moves a few teeth, gradually building your ideal smile. You can show off your results in just 12 to 18 months.
Advantages of Invisalign
Comfort
The medical-grade plastic aligners are strong, smooth, and comfortable to wear, making treatment simple. After you become accustomed to the aligners, you will hardly notice them on your teeth.
Discretion
Adults and older teens often dislike getting braces because they don’t want the extra attention. They may also worry that braces will interfere with their personal or professional image. Invisalign lets these patients keep their treatment private.
Versatility
Researchers find that Invisalign is as effective as braces. The system can correct simple cases of crooked and gapped teeth. With an orthodontist’s expertise, it can also treat bite issues and more complex issues.
Better Oral Health
Many patients find brushing and flossing around braces challenging, which can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Researchers have found that Invisalign allows patients to maintain better gum health during and after treatment.
Fewer Orthodontic Visits
With braces, most patients must visit the orthodontist every few weeks for an adjustment. Tightening wires can cause discomfort. With Invisalign, you only need to move to the next aligner in the series. You will only need to visit your orthodontist about every six weeks.
Good Candidates for Invisalign
- Adults and teens are eligible
- Able to follow treatment instructions
- Ready to wear the aligners 20-22 hours daily
- Excellent oral hygiene
- Ability to properly care for aligners
- No missing teeth
Starting Your Invisalign Journey
If you need orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can help you straighten your teeth like braces without the hassle. We will gladly meet with you for a consultation to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign and what you can expect from your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign?
Many dentists receive training to prescribe Invisalign and provide adequate treatment. However, an orthodontist is a true expert in moving teeth. They receive significantly more specialist training and experience with treatment methods like Invisalign. If you visit an orthodontist, you will get better, more efficient results.
How do I care for my aligners at home?
The clear plastic aligners are durable but need special care. Clean them with non-whitening toothpaste and a soft brush. Whitening toothpaste may be too abrasive for the smooth, transparent plastic material. You can also use Invisalign’s branded cleaning crystals for a brighter sparkle.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
We look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your oral health goals. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to book your consultation today.
You may have noticed swollen, tender gums if you or your child has braces. Standard braces have many wires and brackets, making it challenging to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. In addition, some patients’ gums react to new braces by swelling and overgrowing.
This blog will explain how to combat swollen gums when you have braces and offer solutions for keeping your teeth sparkling clean.
Why Do Gums Swell With Braces?
Braces patients’ gums can swell for several reasons. Most braces patients are adolescents, meaning that the natural hormones in their bodies make it more likely that gum tissue will swell and bleed easily. Gum tissue sometimes grows down too far over the tooth in reaction to new braces, and this tender, new tissue may swell.
Gingivitis can also cause gum swelling. As the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis deserves attention from your orthodontist or family dentist. A dental practitioner should check at the patient’s next appointment and determine the cause of swollen gums.
How to Manage Swollen Gums
Improve Oral Care
Step up your child’s at-home oral care routine, including detailed flossing and careful brushing multiple times daily. Use interproximal brushes and floss threaders, if necessary, to reach between teeth and avoid wires.
Many children and teens may be reluctant to clean swollen gums due to discomfort. However, this will only make the problem worse. Your family dentist or orthodontist can help them understand the importance of positive oral care.
Avoid Hard Foods
Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can make gum swelling worse. While your child’s gums swell, advise them to eat a softer diet.
The Consequences of Periodontal Disease
Swollen gums are not unusual for braces patients. They could swell for benign reasons like hormone changes but also exhibit signs of gingivitis.
You or your child could have gingivitis if the swollen gums are tender to the touch or bleeding when brushed or flossed. Reversing gingivitis early on is key to protecting you from the serious effects of periodontal disease later in life.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it eventually progresses to full-blown periodontal disease. The end stages of periodontal disease may result in tooth loss. If your gums swell with braces, it is not too late to protect your healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Promote Excellent Oral Hygiene
Braces have amazing effects on your smile, but caring for them can be challenging. Keeping up with your oral hygiene or that of your child is a must with braces. To prevent lifelong oral health issues, take action now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long will I have to wear braces?
Braces take approximately 18 months to three years for most patients. Depending on your orthodontic issues, you or your child may have a longer or shorter treatment time.
How do I use a floss threader?
A floss threader works like a thin, soft, blunt-tipped sewing needle. Simply thread the floss through the eye and use the threader to guide the floss between the teeth.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you have swollen gums, visiting your orthodontist for an evaluation is a good idea. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontic specialists.
When you get your traditional braces off or finish using the last Invisalign aligner, you may cheer with accomplishment.
Just know that the work is not done. The next step is often a retainer.
Depending on whether or not you wear it as you should or how well you care for it, you may come to a time when your retainer no longer fits properly. When this happens, you are going to need to know what to do.
Importance of Wearing a Retainer
Getting your retainer is often the last stage in your orthodontic treatment. When your teeth have already been straightened and have settled into their new position, your retainer will keep them there.
It is natural for teeth to want to move back to where they came from. So, if you are happy with your new smile, then it is important to wear it.
Unfortunately, many patients start out very diligent in their retainer-wearing, but this tends to dissipate as time moves on. After all, wearing a retainer is a lifelong thing. As life evolves, it is easy for it to get pushed aside or even shoved in a drawer. Falling out of the habit of wearing your retainer doesn’t take long. Before you know it, it will not quite fit the same.
If you have not worn your retainer in a while and you find that it feels a bit snug, but doesn’t put too much pressure, then you should wear it. You, your mouth, and your teeth may have grown unaccustomed to wearing the retainer, depending on how long you have gone without it. Putting it back in with this type of fitting should be fine.
However, if your retainer no longer fits properly, you will have to take additional steps.
Signs Your Retainer No Longer Fits Properly
When you wear your retainer every day, it does more than keep your new smile in place. The more you wear your retainer, the more it maintains a correct, proper fit. Otherwise, it can easily become misshapen or out of alignment with your teeth.
While you should be able to feel a difference when you place the retainer in your mouth, there are a few signs you can look out for to determine whether or not your retainer fits properly, such as:
- Feeling loose on either side
- Feeling too tight
- Causing irritation or swelling of the gums
Clear retainers can become warped over time, especially when they are exposed to heat. Sometimes they may be too distorted to be placed on your teeth at all.
Regardless of the type of retainer you have, do not attempt to make it fit again on your own. Instead, contact your orthodontist. If it has been a long time since you received your retainer, you do not have to visit the orthodontist that gave you the retainer in the first place. Find someone who is experienced and reputable within your community.
Retainers at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Whether your retainer no longer fits or you are just starting out on your orthodontic journey, Greater Hartford Orthodontics can help.
Contact us today at 860-667-8277. Or, request an appointment online.
Many patients who need orthodontic work face a decision about which type of corrective appliance to receive. Clear braces and Invisalign have much in common, but they each have unique qualities that make them appropriate for different situations. This blog article will explain how clear braces and Invisalign work and compare them point-to-point to help you decide.
About Clear Braces
Clear braces are much like the traditional all-metal braces that have been popular for many years. The difference between clear braces and traditional braces is the material used in the brackets. Clear braces generally use porcelain or ceramic material.
About Invisalign
Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that the patient changes every two weeks. Gradually, the aligners push the teeth into their optimal positions.
Point-to-Point Comparison
Convenience
Some patients may feel that clear braces are more convenient because they don’t have to be taken out and cleaned separately, raising the question of whether they might be lost.
Comfort
Invisalign and clear braces are comfortable, but for most patients, Invisalign has the edge. Clear brackets are smoother than metal brackets, leading to less rubbing on the inside of the lips and cheeks. Invisalign has smooth edges. It molds tightly to the teeth, and the patient may not notice it during wear.
Discretion
Clear braces draw much less attention than traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign is more private for the patient.
Oral Health
Keeping your teeth clean around Invisalign is more accessible than cleaning around clear braces. Brushing and flossing around braces of any kind requires special equipment and techniques. Invisalign allows patients to brush, floss, and easily clean the aligners because they come out.
Durability
Clear braces are more durable than Invisalign, though Invisalign is made of a tough, medical-grade plastic material. Cleaning the aligners improperly or grinding your teeth can lead to damage.
Length of Treatment
In most cases, Invisalign is faster than braces. Braces take an average of 18 months to three years to work, while Invisalign works in 12 to 18 months, perhaps less.
Orthodontic Problems Corrected
Clear braces can correct a more comprehensive array of orthodontic issues than Invisalign. Clear braces work well with moderate to severe dental bite issues.
Patient Age
Children with growing jaws can use clear braces but not Invisalign. Clear braces are usually reserved for more mature children because they can stain and sometimes break with rough handling. Today’s clear braces are nearly as strong as traditional metal braces.
Price
Invisalign costs more than braces in general. However, the shorter treatment times and comfortable, discreet aligners make them an excellent investment in your appearance and oral health.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Both Invisalign and clear braces are excellent options for straightening your teeth. Call our Newington, CT office at 860-667-8277 for help deciding between Invisalign and clear braces. We will schedule an appointment with our orthodontist to help you understand your teeth and how to correct your smile.
If you or your child have just completed a procedure to get braces, or are considering getting braces in the near future, you may be curious what aftercare will be like. While some dietary restrictions may be placed on you or your child by your orthodontist after getting braces put on, the procedure does not need to be entirely life-altering.
That said, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to eating with braces on. One of the most commonly asked questions about what a child can eat with braces on comes in the form of addressing many children’s favorite food—candy!
Be sure to ask your orthodontist for direction on which foods to avoid as the braces are on, working to correct your teeth, so that you avoid creating additional problems that will need to be addressed later.
What Candy Should I Avoid While Wearing Braces?
Having braces should not cause any major changes in your day-to-day activities. You can still dine out, sing, play a musical instrument, or have pictures taken. With proper care and maintenance, you can promote your oral health while on your way to a more beautiful smile.
But naturally, certain foods will be problematic while wearing braces, and many forms of candy can indeed be problematic both for the braces themselves as well as for your teeth more generally.
Candy to avoid while wearing braces includes:
- Chewing gum – repetitive chewing can stick to and bend the wires over time
- Caramel – sticky candies like caramel can dislodge a bracket
- Taffy – similar to caramel, as it sticks to surfaces of the appliances and cause damage to the brackets and wires
- Softer chews – fruit and chocolate chews are a little softer and easier to consume than caramel or taffy, but they can cause similar issues
- Hard candies, suckers and lollipops – candies that are sucked on disperse sugar over the teeth as they slowly melt, which isn’t great for teeth at any time, but especially not for those with braces.
Overall, chewy and hard candy alike can be problematic for children with braces. In addition to the physical damage they can do to the hardware itself, we all know the effects sugary foods can have on teeth, even teeth without braces on them. The braces can compound the problem, as lingering particles of sugary candy stuck in braces can cause cavities to form more regularly than what might occur in a child without braces.
What Candy Can I Eat While Wearing Braces?
It’s not all bad news for candy lovers and those with a “sweet tooth.” Softer sweet treats may be permissible by your orthodontist, depending on your care plan and dental history. Ask your orthodontist for a list of candy and sweets that you can eat while wearing braces.
Softer treats, like cake, brownies, soft cookies and other baked goods may be just what the…well, not what the doctor ordered, but what your doctor may allow. We know that children will always want to sneak a sweet treat here and there. Better to let the child know what the allowable foods are while wearing braces, so they don’t sneak any of the “forbidden fruit” listed above.
And speaking of fruit, softer fruits may be enough to satisfy that sweet tooth in some children. So, if an orange, peach or apple can replace the need for actual candy in your child’s discretionary diet, try to encourage your child to choose fruit over hard candy and chewy substances.
Try to choose softer foods while wearing braces, and cut your or your child’s foods into smaller pieces before eating, rather than trying to bite through them. Chop whole fruits, such as apples or pears, into bite-sized pieces before eating, and always avoid chewing gum and chomping on hard candies or even ice.
Finally, while we’re on the topic of do’s and don’ts when it comes to eating while wearing braces, here are some other foods to avoid that, while not all sweet, are common temptations for kids wearing braces.
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Pretzels
- Cheetos
- Nuts
- Granola Bars
- Raw Vegetables
- Hard Tacos
To learn more about what you can and cannot eat while wearing braces, or to learn about braces aftercare more generally, please visit https://www.greaterhartfordortho.com/braces-care/.
Clear braces are a popular choice for teeth straightening. They combine a number of benefits from traditional braces with those of clear plastic aligners. This makes them a terrific choice for patients for whom aligners are not appropriate.
At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, we offer our patients clear braces with tieless ceramic brackets and high-tech archwires, resulting in a comfortable fit and excellent teeth straightening results. While clear braces aren’t quite as unobtrusive as aligners, the ceramic brackets are created to blend with your teeth for a more natural looking appearance. They are smooth, have a low profile, and won’t stain the way clear braces did in the past.
And, the results from wearing clear braces are invaluable, providing our patients with a healthier mouth and a more confident smile!
Types of Clear Braces
You’ll find a number of different types of clear braces, and today, clear braces require no more care than traditional braces to keep clean. However, you still want to make sure that you keep them clean. While staining and discoloration are no longer common with clear braces, not keeping them properly clean can negatively affect your dental hygiene and appearance.
Brush, Rinse and Floss After Eating
No matter what type of braces you have, it is recommended that you brush your teeth, rinse them, and floss them after you eat to remove food particles. This will keep your clear braces clean and your mouth healthier, preventing tooth decay both around and behind your clear brackets.
Keep Your Clear Braces Damage Free by Eliminating Certain Foods
As is the case with traditional metal braces as well, certain foods should be avoided when wearing clear braces, such as hard or sticky foods that can become lodged in your brackets, causing both unsightly looks and damage to the brackets of the braces or your teeth.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is never good for you, or your oral health, and it is not good for you brackets, either. The sticky nicotine smoke can stick to both your teeth and your brackets.
Visit your Orthodontist for Follow Ups
It’s also important to keep your regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments when you wear clear brackets. While clear braces are durable and strong, you’ll still want to make sure both your braces and your own natural teeth are in the best condition. You’ll usually spend around 18 months in clear braces, so making sure treatment is progressing properly and your oral hygiene is in great shape are both important. Adjustments to your braces are routinely made every eight weeks.
For patients who can benefit from aligners, we also offer Invisalign® clear aligners as well as clear braces. Invisalign is a comfortable, removable solution to teeth straightening. The Invisalign process uses a series of clear aligners that gradually and incrementally straighten your teeth rather than using wires. These aligners are shaped from images that are computer-generated and based on a digital scan of your teeth which is taken by your dentist. These custom trays realign move your teeth into the desired position by using trays that are each shaped for teeth that are just slightly straighter than your teeth.
Learn More About Options for Clear Braces
Are you ready to learn more about clear braces? For more information on how your dental team can successfully realign your teeth, reach out to us and schedule an appointment, today.
Clear braces are a popular choice for children, teens, and adults who need or want to straighten their teeth in a less noticeable way. Traditional metal braces are still the most common orthodontic treatment, but clear braces are becoming more prevalent. If you’re considering clear braces for yourself or your child, you may be wondering how much they cost. Here’s what to expect when it comes to the average cost of clear braces treatment.
Cost of Clear Braces by Type
There are two types of teeth straightening systems that are referred to as clear braces. The cost of each treatment ranges:
- Clear Ceramic Brackets: $4,000-$8,500. Clear brackets work just like metal brackets but they are made of a clear or tooth colored ceramic that blends in with the teeth in order to be less noticeable. The brackets are still connected by a visible metal archwire that shifts the teeth into proper alignment, but the overall look is more subtle.
- Invisalign: $3,000-$7,500. Invisalign consists of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth to gradually shift them into alignment. The clear plastic is virtually invisible to anyone who doesn’t know you’re wearing aligners.
When compared to metal braces, which range from $3,000-$7,000, the cost of clear braces is comparable, but tends to be slightly higher.
How They Work
If you’re comparing the cost of teeth straightening treatments, it can help to know the difference in how they work. Clear brackets attach to the front side of each tooth with orthodontic cement. The brackets are connected by an archwire that is used to shift the teeth into alignment. Rubber bands, springs, and other equipment is used to align the teeth and bite.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. Each set of aligners shifts the teeth slightly. You wear them for about 2 weeks at a time before switching to the next set in order. As you move through the entire set of aligners, your teeth gradually move into the desired position. Invisalign can straighten teeth and align your bite.
Does Insurance Cover Clear Braces?
When it comes to coverage for orthodontic treatment, most dental insurance plans provide a one time lump sum for each person or dependent covered under the plan. This lump sum is not usually enough to cover the entire cost of treatment, but it can be applied to the total with the rest being paid out of pocket. Most insurance plans allow you to apply the lump sum to traditional metal braces, clear brackets, or Invisalign.
Are Clear Braces Worth the Cost?
On average, clear braces tend to cost more than traditional metal braces. Why pay more for clear? For many people it’s the fact that they want their braces to be less noticeable. One thing to consider is that clear brackets are not as sturdy as metal brackets and are prone to breaking more often. If this happens your bracket can easily be replaced, but you may find that you’re making more frequent trips to the orthodontist’s office. It may help to follow the “what not to eat” list very carefully. It is also necessary to keep clear braces very clean, otherwise they tend to get discolored.
Am I a Good Candidate for Clear Braces?
Anyone who is a candidate for metal braces is also a candidate for clear brackets. However, Invisalign is different. Invisalign can treat most common orthodontic issues, such as overbite and crowding, but there are some patients who will need braces to make the corrections they need. Complex cases where the teeth need significant movement may not be eligible for Invisalign. The only way to know for sure is to have an evaluation by an orthodontist.
Greater Hartford Orthodontics Provides Clear Braces
If you’re interested in clear braces, Greater Hartford Orthodontics provides both clear brackets and Invisalign. After a brief evaluation we can make a recommendation for the best orthodontic treatment for your case. We understand that your appearance is important to you, and orthodontic treatment can take years. We will do our best to help you straighten your teeth in the most discreet way possible.
Call 860-667-8277 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment.
Clear braces have become increasingly popular as the technology behind them has become more advanced and versatile. Clear braces are now equally as effective as metal braces in treating problems such as misalignments, overbites, crossbites, and underbites.
If you’re looking forward to the beautiful smile orthodontic treatment can deliver but would rather not wear metal braces to achieve it, clear braces are a more discreet option.
Read on to learn more about clear braces and whether they may be the right option for you.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic or synthetic sapphire, making them less visible on your teeth than metal braces.
The process for treatment with clear braces is similar to that of traditional metal braces. The orthodontist will bond brackets to each tooth and thread archwires through them. This creates tension that gradually pulls your teeth into place.
How do clear braces work?
Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal bracket-and-wire orthodontic braces, but with one key difference: the brackets that hold the wire in place are made of a clear or tooth-colored material. The clear brackets make them much less visible than traditional metal brackets.
These clear brackets are typically made of ceramic, though they can also be made of synthetic sapphire. Each is as durable as metal yet far less noticeable on your teeth.
What kinds of conditions can clear braces correct?
Clear braces can correct the same cosmetic and functional dental conditions treated by traditional metal braces.
They can fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. An overbite occurs when the upper jaw is too far forward, or the lower jaw is too far back. An underbite happens when the lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw. A crossbite is an incorrect bite where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. An open bite is a gap between some of your front teeth when you bite down.
An incorrect bite can cause many problems for your mouth, including difficulty speaking and chewing, excessive wear on your teeth, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Tooth alignment is important for several reasons:
- Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, thus decreasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Malocclusion (incorrect bite) can cause or exacerbate problems with the jaw joint and its associated muscles.
- When the teeth do not meet properly, it can wear down the enamel on your teeth or cause damage to your gum tissue.
- Evenly spaced, properly aligned teeth are less likely to suffer from excessive wear, trauma, or fracture.
Am I a suitable candidate for clear braces?
Clear braces are a viable orthodontic solution for many people. The main requirements for choosing clear braces are the same as with traditional metal braces:
- You have a problem that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. These problems may include overcrowding, crooked teeth, large or uneven spacing between teeth, or malocclusion.
- You don’t have any medical conditions that make wearing braces difficult to wear or maintain.
- You understand what’s involved with wearing clear braces, and you’re willing to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for brushing, flossing, and scheduling appointments.
- Your gums and teeth are generally healthy (otherwise, you may first need to see your dentist).
You can likely be treated with clear braces if you meet the criteria above.
Clear braces are more expensive than metal braces, which may factor into your choice. Many dental insurance policies will cover the cost of clear braces, but only up to the cost of regular metal braces. Your out-of-pocket costs with clear brackets will most likely be higher.
Clear braces are more durable and stain-resistant than they were in the past, but they still fall short of stainless steel brackets in terms of strength. Metal braces have been a tried-and-true option for achieving beautiful smiles for decades, but contemporary clear braces are an excellent choice for many patients.
Learn More About Clear Braces
The best way to determine which option is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation to discuss the available solutions. Contact us today at 860-667-8277 to get started.