Clear braces, or clear aligners, are being chosen by a growing number of orthodontic patients today. They can realign your smile in a fraction of the time of traditional wire braces and provide a less visible and more comfortable experience for the wearer. Although they share a number of similarities, the process of applying clear aligner trays differs slightly to that of braces comprised of metal brackets and wiring. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with the various steps involved during the application process of clear braces.
Consultation
Once you have decided your teeth will benefit from clear braces, you should schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist. During this initial meeting, you will discuss the current condition of your teeth as well as the treatment plan required to fix any ongoing problems. Still a relatively cutting-edge treatment, it is important to choose an orthodontist, or orthodontic clinic, with sufficient knowledge and experience of clear aligners. Ask to view before and after images of former patients and familiarize yourself with any online reviews and testimonials. You must also enquire about the expected cost of your treatment plan as well as any hidden fees you may be required to pay. This reduces the chances of being slapped with an unexpected bill or invoice down the line. Your orthodontist will then ask to take a series of images, scans, and x-rays of your mouth to construct a treatment plan tailored to the individual needs and requirements of your teeth. Once you have agreed to proceed with your individualized treatment plan, your orthodontist will use 3D imagery to create impressions of your teeth. This allows them to map out a comprehensive overview of the condition of your mouth and decide how the aligner trays will adhere to your teeth. It can take up to 4 weeks for custom-made clear aligners to be produced. During the consultation, it may also be worth asking any follow-up questions to alleviate any concerns or worries you have regarding your ongoing treatment.
Consultation is also the best time to decide whether clear aligners are suited for you. Some people may have teeth that are so misaligned they will have no choice but to opt for traditional braces. For more information, consider this resource which covers everything you need to know about clear aligners.
Application
Now that your aligners are ready, it is time for the exciting part. The application process can take as little as 30 minutes. Your orthodontist may check your clear braces fit your teeth snugly before they are permanently bonded to your teeth. A small amount of tooth-colored composite resin will be applied to each tooth to grip the trays and drive your teeth into the desired position. This also ensures your new braces will adapt to the shape of your teeth. Clear braces are usually constructed from BPA-free plastic. This reduces irritation and prevents them from cutting the inside of your mouth. During the application process, you will also be provided with a set of additional clear aligners. It is recommended you replace them every 2-3 weeks, but this can also be done every 7-14 days. Each set of clear aligners will drive your teeth further into position and bring you closer to your brand-new smile. The timeframe of each treatment plan differs depending on the severity of your teeth, but clear braces are usually required to be worn for 6-18 months. This will be communicated to you during your initial consultation. If you find yourself asking how do braces work, check out this website for further information and pricing.
Follow-up
As with traditional metal teeth braces, clear braces also require several follow-up appointments. During this time, your orthodontist will ensure your treatment is progressing as expected and adjust your progress as necessary. Upon the removal of your clear braces, you will be issued a retainer. This must be worn for an agreed period of time to retain the new shape of your teeth and prevent them from reverting back to their previous position. Each individual case is different, but you will usually be asked to wear your retainer either 24/7 or only at night. Regular retainer use is the key to maintaining a brighter, straighter smile. Even after the successful completion of your treatment, you may require several dental readjustments to one or all of your teeth. This is more common than you might think. You may be fitted for another set of aligner trays and be required to wear them for an extra month or so to perfect your smile and complete your treatment. Failure to maintain a thorough aftercare routine can render the entire process futile. This can lead to a huge loss of time and money.
Clear braces are the preferred choice by millions of teens and adults all over the world. Less invasive and uncomfortable than traditional wire braces, they can realign your teeth and transform your smile in a fraction of the time. Familiarise yourself with the benefits of each teeth-straightening alternative to ensure you have chosen one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
