What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces or clear aligners are gaining popularity among teens and adults in Chicago, as they offer many advantages over traditional braces. Clear braces are customized, transparent, removable trays that help straighten your teeth. Here’s why patients at Signature Smile Arts prefer clear braces over any other form of orthodontic treatment:
- Less noticeable: Clear braces or clear aligners are more discreet, as they are made of clear BPA-free plastic. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets, which are noticeable even from a distance, these braces are not obvious. Teens and adults who wish to keep their orthodontic treatment private can benefit from clear aligners.
- Improved comfort: Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. With metal braces, patients have a metal setup in their mouth that can irritate the inner side of cheeks and lips by rubbing against it. Clear aligners do not have any metal brackets making them more comfortable than metal braces.
- Better oral hygiene: Clear aligners are removable trays that can be removed while brushing and eating. Moreover, with clear aligners, patients are not prohibited from consuming any specific food items. Patients can eat anything without worrying about damaging their braces.
- Fewer dentist visits: Unlike metal braces that require frequent visits to our dentist, clear aligners may require follow-up appointments after eight weeks or more. Patients can switch their trays at home according to their orthodontist’s instructions.
Getting Clear Braces: The Procedure
Clear braces use plastic trays to apply pressure on the misaligned teeth and shift them to the desired position. At first, the patient may feel some pressure on the teeth, but once accustomed to the feeling, patients remain comfortable throughout the process. The procedure of clear braces involves:
Examination and Mouth Impression
The initial stage for getting clear braces is to get an examination performed by a qualified dentist to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you. After the screening, detailed scans and x-rays are taken and sent to the laboratory, where your custom-made clear braces will be manufactured.
First Sets of Aligners
You can get the first set of clear trays to take home. You can switch the trays after a few weeks per the orthodontist’s instructions. These trays need to be worn for 22 to 24 hours daily and can be removed while brushing and eating.
Follow Up Sessions
Patients in Chicago may be required to visit our office after six to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the case. We will keep a regular check on the progress of teeth alignment and check whether the movement is progressing properly. Clear braces or aligners don’t require any specific maintenance routine.
In-Office Clear Aligners Vs. At-Home Aligners
While some companies provide clear aligners directly to patients by giving them DIY impression kits, others work exclusively with our dental team at Signature Smile Arts to offer their products to patients. In-office aligners have a more intensive treatment plan, as a qualified dentist supervises the entire procedure. Issues arising during treatment can be addressed readily, as our team can guide the patient and solve their queries. Clear braces are an ideal alternative to metal braces. They help shift misaligned teeth to their desired position to help people get a straighter smile. Since crooked or misaligned teeth are harder to clean and may cause future oral issues, it’s essential to treat them as early as possible to avoid future problems.
Ready to Get Started with Clear Braces?
If you are ready to straighten your smile, contact our office today to see if clear braces in Chicago are right for you.
