Many of our patients are stuck between a rock and a hard place when deciding whether or not to straighten their teeth because they are really worried that traditional metal braces will make them look goofy during treatment. For adults who think that using visible orthodontic appliances is just going to ruin their professional image or social life, the thought of it is actually a major hurdle. The good news is that the creation of tooth colored orthodontic systems has been a total game changer in this area, as they give patients the results they need to get perfectly aligned teeth without having to deal with the aesthetic problems of traditional metal braces.
Transparent braces use high tech ceramic or composite materials that pretty much match the color of your teeth, which makes them look heaps better than regular metal braces. This is not just about looks though, these brackets work exactly like regular braces, same tried and true method of using wires and brackets to apply some gentle pressure and move your teeth into their best positions. The only difference is in the materials used, which just so happen to blend in perfectly with the color of your teeth. We provide oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea to improve breathing and sleep quality. These devices are custom-fitted and can be an alternative to CPAP machines.
The process of planning your treatment is just the same as it is with traditional orthodontics, we do a full examination and some digital imaging to make your specific treatment plan, based on where your teeth are now, how they fit together and what you want to achieve. We take a detailed look at all of these factors to make a custom plan that meets all of your orthodontic needs. This careful planning is what makes sure that everything goes smoothly and that you get the best long term results possible.
Getting the brackets in place requires the same level of skill and accuracy as metal systems. Each bracket needs to be carefully placed so that the force and movement of the teeth are all distributed evenly. We use some pretty advanced adhesives to securely attach the ceramic or composite brackets to your teeth, and these adhesives keep them in place while you are getting treatment. Of course, how well the positioning is done is going to have a big impact on how well the treatment works and what the final results are. Professional teeth whitening can lift stains and brighten your smile safely and effectively. We offer in-office and take-home options to suit your goals.
Wire changes happen on a similar schedule to metal braces, usually every four to eight weeks. This is what lets us keep an eye on your progress and make any changes that are needed to keep the treatment on track. These sessions also give you a chance to check in on your teeth, talk about any worries you might have, and make sure that your treatment is still on track with your individualized plan.
Most people get used to wearing these orthodontic appliances pretty quickly, same as with traditional braces. You will probably be able to talk and eat normally after the first week or two of treatment. A lot of patients actually feel more at ease and confident throughout the whole adaption period because they do not have to worry as much about how they look.
We have had a lot of our adult patients in Miramar who need full orthodontic treatment but want to look a lot less obvious while they are getting it suggest clear teeth braces. This is especially a winner with people who work or are in social situations all the time, because it combines efficient therapy with a better looking option for you.
The length of treatment is similar to what you would expect with traditional metal braces, usually taking anywhere from 18 months to three years, depending on just how complicated your situation is. The timescale is affected by things like how bad the misalignment is, your age, and how well you follow care instructions. The clear brackets do not slow down treatment or make it any less effective.
We have been super successful with patients using transparent bracket systems at Specialty Smiles. These systems can fix everything from simple spacing problems to more complicated biting problems. Based on what we have seen, people are usually pretty happy with these devices because they work well and make them look better.
You do need to pay a bit more attention to care and maintenance with clear teeth braces, especially when it comes to meals and drinks that could stain. We give you some clear advice on how to keep your brackets clean and what you should and should not eat to keep them looking natural throughout the whole treatment.