Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Braces?
You have several methods available to you if you wish to straighten your teeth. Fortunately, today, teeth straightening does not have to involve the use of metal and can be far less conspicuous. One way this can be accomplished is with the use of clear braces. To see if you are a good candidate for clear braces, it is helpful to define the orthodontic treatment first.
What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces provide an efficient way to straighten the teeth without notice. This system of orthodontic care involves using removable aligners made of a plastic material that is virtually clear. You can take the aligners out of your mouth when your drink, eat, floss, and brush. Moreover, each aligner is custom-designed using 3D technology. Every two weeks, you will remove the aligners and replace them with a new set until you achieve your goal. The process typically takes from 12 to 18 months, sometimes a little longer.
Are You a Teen Over 13 Years Old or an Adult Who Wants a More Attractive Smile?
Most teens and adults are good candidates for clear braces, as they can interact socially and feel less self-conscious while straightening their teeth.
Are You Willing to Wear the Braces Most of the Time?
Even though the braces can be removed, you should be willing to wear the braces at least 20 hours per day for the best results.
Do You Have a Specific Bite Problem or an Alignment Issue?
To see if you are the right candidate for clear braces, it helps to assess your smile. People who can benefit from the treatment may have an overbite, under-bite, cross-bite, gap teeth, open bite, or crowding. Even if your teeth are basically straight, you can make your smile even more beautiful with this form of treatment.
Do You Have More Severe Bite Problems?
When clear braces or aligners were first introduced, some patients, with more severe malocclusions, could not wear the braces. However, attachments and buttons are now added to clear aligners to guide the teeth and align the bite. Therefore, you can still wear the braces, provided you don’t have a bite that may require surgical intervention.
Why Smokers, Younger Children, or Some Elderly Patients Are Not Good Candidates
If you smoke, you should quit if you want to get clear braces. Besides increasing your chances for gum disease, smoking can discolor and stain the aligners, which makes them appear unsightly. The braces are not prescribed for children whose teeth are still developing as well. Also, elderly patients who have problems with manual dexterity are not suitable candidates.
Would you like to know more about clear braces and how they can improve your smile? If so, give us a call today to set up a consultation. Call River Valley Smile Center at 479-646-0706 or contact us on our site to learn how they can improve your oral health and smile. Make sure to visit our Facebook page!
