Clear Braces

If you’re unhappy with your smile, then you’re not alone. Ask any one of the patients at the Pearl Dental Clinic what they don’t like about their teeth and you’ll hear everything from over crowding to under bites, but they will probably also tell you about the service and care they have received whilst having their smiles fixed and how they couldn’t be happier with the results. There is a long list of dental procedures that can help with any number of orthodontic problems, why not make an appointment today? The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will see the changes for yourself.

What can be done about my crooked teeth?

During their teenage years, a lot of people will have experienced orthodontics first hand, and metal braces are not a fond memory for the majority. It’s understandable that this would put you off seeking help with miss-aligned teeth, but thankfully modern technology has allowed dental procedures to move past wires and brackets, to a more subtle, comfortable way of straightening crooked teeth. If your teeth aren’t straight or they appear to be crowded in areas of your mouth, you could benefit from a set of clear braces. Not everyone likes the idea of having braces, particularly adults, but that’s the beauty of clear braces – they’re not nicknamed ‘invisible braces’ for nothing, no one will know they are there. These discreet, transparent devices are the perfect solution to anyone wanting to keep their dental treatments to themselves.

What are clear braces?

A set of clear braces consists of a clear resin shield fitted over the natural teeth; it exerts gentle pressure in specific areas to push them into alignment. They work in much the same way as traditional orthodontics, but they can do the job in a much shorter length of time and they are barely visible from a distance. They are completely removable and can be taken out for eating and cleaning, but it’s their precision performance that makes them so popular with patients.

Are they really that good?

Just read the testimonials from satisfied customers who have been given a new smile with clear braces. If you’re in a situation where you want to fix your teeth, but you’re not anxious to have ‘train tracks’ fitted, then clear braces could help you straighten your smile without any awkward moments or embarrassing social situations.

Clear braces are currently among the most popular choice of orthodontic treatment in the UK, primarily because of their discreet appearance, but also because they provide a faster, more accurate treatment than their counterparts. The technicians that build the braces use top of the line computer programs and manufacture the device so that they can predict where and how the teeth will move. This process is much more precise than previous treatments, where dentists had to rely on their own experience and guesswork to get the desired outcome. Thanks to a more reliable result, clear braces can transform a smile in a matter of months, where it would have taken metal braces years to achieve the same effect.

A further benefit of ‘invisible braces’ is that they don’t contain any brackets or wires, which make cleaning more of a chore than necessary. Traditional appliances are notoriously difficult to keep clean and they can sometimes irritate the gums or leave stained areas on the teeth after removal. Clear braces are not permanently bonded to the enamel surface and can easily be removed for brushing and eating – just don’t leave them on the dinner table or drop them down the plug hole.

Are there any drawbacks?

Clear braces – like any other dental appliances – are not without their flaws, fortunately they a few and far between when compared to other treatments of the same kind. The only drawbacks tend to be with suitability rather than actual performance; the braces won’t be able to provide the same level of service for patients with severe alignment problems or heavily crowded teeth. Patients who can’t have clear braces do have options though, they can benefit from highly developed orthodontic techniques and ever-improving dental technology to straighten their smiles, and they may be suitable for a set of clear braces once the difficult parts of the work has been done.

Unfortunately, because clear braces are very much in demand at the moment, they are usually much more costly than the alternatives, but most patients will agree that the experience and skill of their dentist, the quality of the appliance, and the short treatment time are all worth paying a little extra for. Even if you can’t afford the braces upfront, there may be some financing schemes that your dentist can help you with, so that you can gradually pay your bill and still get the best treatment on the market.

How much do they cost?

That depends on how much work they have to do and whether you require them for both the upper and lower jaw. Typically, clear braces will set you back a few thousand pounds, but they can be as much as £5000 depending on the extent of the treatment.

Will I be suitable?

If you have mild alignment problems or some crowding, then you will probably be a good candidate for some clear braces, but the only way you’ll be able to find out is if you make an appointment and consult with your dentist, they will be able to tell you if it’s the best thing for your teeth. There’s no point opting for the best, most expensive treatment if it’s not going to have the desired effect. You need to consider what you are able to afford also, the best dentists are going to have a higher fee because you’re paying for their name, experience and superior treatment.