Clear Braces
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. In the past, adults chose to live with crooked teeth rather than be seen with a mouth full of metal, announcing to the world that they’re straightening their teeth. Now, with the advent of clear braces and the superior results they can achieve, you can get straight teeth, no matter how old you are — and no one need be the wiser. Only you and your dentist know for sure.
Visit a cosmetic dentis in the Albany area, and you can have straight teeth and a beautiful smile. But consider that an adult may need up to two years of braces to achieve the results you want. You probably don’t want to wear highly visible metal braces or straighteners for that length of time, even though they’ll do the job.
Clear braces, also called invisible braces, give you options if you want to straighten your teeth without letting everyone notice. There’s nothing wrong with wearing visible braces, but invisible braces for teeth help you look your best surreptitiously while undergoing a smile makeover or just a teeth straightening procedure.
As always, consulting a cosmetic dentist or an orthodonti team you trust, like Albany County Dental Associates, is a great place to start. But with braces, it’s more about personal preference as well. Choosing a cosmetic dentist who’s also your family dentist gives you a head start because he knows you.
Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces
Regarding the question of clear braces vs. metal braces, your choice depends on what you want, your insurance coverage and your available budget. No matter which way you go, however, it’s vital that you maintain good daily oral hygiene and keep you bi-annual cleaning appointments! Pros and cons for clear braces vs. metal braces include:
- Traditional metal braces are typically less expensive.
- Clear ceramic braces or clear bracket braces work like metal braces, but they’re made of ceramic or plastic material, which allows them to be clear and nearly invisible.
- Generally, metal braces are more durable. They can take more pressure, they can straighten your teeth faster.
- Clear bracket braces are more brittle than metal braces and may break more easily.
- Metal braces don’t require as much careful cleaning as clear bracket braces.
- Clear ceramic braces can be just as effective as metal braces, even if they take a little bit longer and need more attention.
- Of course, invisible braces are a lot less noticeable.
Other Teeth Straightening Options
Clear Damon braces are another type of invisible braces for teeth. They use new technology that delivers relatively fast and effective treatment. They’re also comfortable compared to other invisible braces and metal braces. For some New Yorkers, clear Damon braces prove to be more effective even than Invisalign clear braces, but there are also those who prefer the ease and invisibility of Invisalign.
Invisalign clear braces remain a very popular option because not only are they completely clear, but they’re also removable. With Invisalign, you can brush your teeth, eat without your braces and clean your aligner trays. You get a new set of Invisalign clear braces — they’re actually aligner trays you place over your teeth — every few weeks so that your teeth are gradually adjusted.
How Do You Choose?
Your Albany County dentist is committed to providing you and your family affordable dentistry options. In addition to clear ceramic braces, clear Damon braces and Invisalign aligners, you can get lingual braces. These invisible braces fit on the backside of your teeth, making them completely invisible. But there are comfort issues with lingual braces.
Consider the cost of your treatment and the amount of time that it takes to work. Balance these factors against the effectiveness, comfort and level of maintenance. Then start narrowing down your choices. Consult with your dentist about payment options. Insurance may cover a portion of your braces.
Braces for the Whole Family
You may have thought only adolescents were candidates for the various teeth straightening procedures. But with the advancements in clear braces, adults are choosing more and more to correct their crooked teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists: “Today, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Regardless of age, orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better and decreasing the risk of future dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty chewing.”
As you see, braces do more than just improve your appearance. They help you avoid more drastic problems that could occur if you wait. Just the thought of tooth extractions that lead to a need for dentures or implants may add a little urgency to your decision about whether to get clear braces or not. Talk to your dentist about which options might be best for you.
