A guide to clear braces While many people have certain imperfections they would like to improve concerning their smile, some – particularly the more image-conscious among us – may feel they are too old to wear traditional braces to resolve misalignment. The emergence of more advanced cosmetic dentistry methods means this time of worry can be a thing of the past, with adults not able to wear corrective fixtures that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. This means they can correct crooked pearly whites on a virtually unnoticeable basis. A high number of celebrities have opted for this type of treatment to make the most out of their smile and it has resulted in a surge in popularity among people who are beginning to realise there is something that can be done to help them show their teeth with confidence. The most popular type of treatment for this type of issue is invisible braces, which are worn for a long period of time, but are moulded to fit the shape of each individual tooth comfortably and effectively. What are invisible braces? One of the most popular types of correction method among image-conscious individuals, clear braces are a revolutionary system for straightening crooked pearly whites, as well as closing any unwanted gaps between them. In many cases, this type of fitting can alleviate the requirement for traditional metal-wire braces that have been used for many years in traditional orthodontic practice. Using this system, dentists utilise the latest in computerised technology and 3D modelling to create a series of see-through aligners. Specially fabricated to fit the teeth of each patient exactly, over time these fittings will move pearly whites into a position that provides a natural-looking and straight smile. How do clear braces work? If worn for 22 hours every day, these aligners will slowly move teeth into their desired position over a long period of time. They are significantly more convenient than their predecessors because they can be removed while eating and brushing teeth, eradicating the worry of getting food or debris caught between them. Patients are required to visit their dental professional for new fixtures every two weeks that will guide the pearly whites further into position as the process continues. In total, the entire procedure will take between six months and one year as individuals are asked to attend regular appointments with their dentist to ensure the treatment is effective. Is this method better than metal braces? Many individuals may find this course of action is much more suited to their lifestyle due to the fact they are able to continue with their daily routine without fear of talking in public or getting food caught in unwanted locations. There are many more benefits of clear braces: Comfort – Traditional metal braces are much more painful and are likely to cause irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue and surrounding area. Additionally, the elastic bands used to tighten these fixtures can cause discomfort. Many patients will find it can take a number of days to get used to the feeling of clear braces, but more often than not will fail to notice their presence as the treatment is carried out. Discreet – Clear braces are virtually invisible to anyone unless they are extremely close, which means patients do not have to inform their colleagues about the treatment if they are embarrassed. This is among the primary reasons a high number of adults are seeking this course of action to resolve issues that have had a negative impact on their life for a long time. Convenience – Due to the fact these aligners can be removed when eating and cleaning, many patients find they are the simplest option to manage and take care of. Additionally, they make maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine much easier. With traditional methods, cleaning teeth becomes a much more difficult task, particularly when flossing. This hardship often results in many people neglecting their pearly whites during the time they are fitted with metal fixtures, which can have a negative impact in the long term. Free consultation – A high number of dental professionals offer a cost-free appointment to allow them to assess the teeth and discuss the desired results and imminent course of action. During this visit, patients are encouraged to ask any questions about the treatment, including the cost and timing, so they are fully aware of what is about to happen and no surprises are in store. What does the procedure entail? Following this appointment, a cosmetic dentist will assess the smile and existing teeth alignment to make a mould of the pearly whites using dental putty, then several photographs will be taken from a number of different angles. After this, a 3D model of the mouth is created at a specialised laboratory with the use of a CT scanner, then – using the latest patented software – the model is used as a basis to create a simulation of the patient’s teeth movement from their current position to the desired location. The aligners will then be created using the simulation as the basis, which are custom-made for each patient’s teeth and will be changed once every two weeks as the pearly whites move slightly. Each individual will receive strict instructions on how to use their aligners, including the fact they must be worn for a minimum of 20 hours every day as the success of the treatment is highly dependent on patient compliance and requires dedication. Regular check-ups will be carried out by a dental professional to make sure the course of action is progressing at a suitable rate. Can anyone benefit from clear braces? Individuals with crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crowding, crossbites and gaps between their pearly whites can more often than not benefit from the installation of clear braces. However, more severe orthodontic issues – such as those where teeth extraction is required, or a lot of movement is needed – may not be suited to this course of action. During a free consultation, patients can discover if they are suited to this treatment.