Will clear braces straighten teeth quicker than metal braces?

Metal braces

A misaligned bite and crooked teeth can wreak havoc on your smile and overall oral health. Teenagers and adults can achieve stunning, straighter teeth without the hassle and frustrating appearance of metal braces. At Excel Dentistry, we offer patients cutting-edge orthodontic technology to enhance their smiles and improve their overall health. Dr. Mayra Modesto-Garrido works with individuals residing in and around Glen Rock, NJ.

WHAT ARE CLEAR BRACES?

Clear braces, like traditional metal braces, are designed to straighten the teeth over a given period. The primary difference is that clear braces are made from materials, including medical-grade porcelain, to blend in with the natural color of the teeth. This allows patients to show off a more aesthetically pleasing smile during their orthodontic treatment. At Excel Dentistry, Dr. Modesto-Garrido carefully evaluates each patient’s teeth and oral structures to determine if clear braces are the right orthodontic treatment path for them.

BENEFITS OF CLEAR BRACES

Clear braces provide our patients with numerous benefits, including:

  • A customized orthodontic treatment for achieving straighter teeth
  • Aesthetically pleasing brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth
  • Simple ways for maintaining routine dental hygiene habits

DO CLEAR BRACES STRAIGHTEN TEETH QUICKER THAN METAL BRACES?

While clear braces offer aesthetic benefits, there are multiple factors that impact how fast someone can achieve straighter teeth with the use of any orthodontic treatment. The more complex a patient’s oral health, the longer it may take to align the teeth to a natural and functional position. In many cases, clear braces will straighten teeth as quickly as traditional braces will. Consult with Dr. Modesto-Garrido about what to expect for your unique treatment path.

HOW CLEAR BRACES ARE APPLIED

Patients attend their scheduled appointments at Excel Dentistry to be fitted for their customized clear braces. Prior to the fitting, Dr. Modesto-Garrido assesses and measures the teeth, gums, and oral structures for an accurate fit and to create a treatment timeline. The teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned and dried, and then porcelain brackets are delicately applied to the front teeth with a strong, adhesive bond. Once all the wires and hardware are tightened comfortably in place, the patient may return home to resume normal daily activities.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO WEAR CLEAR BRACES?

Typically, patients may wear clear braces anywhere from six months to two years, depending on their oral health needs and the complexity of their teeth abnormalities. Once you’ve completed your treatment, Dr. Modesto-Garrido may recommend and fit you for a retainer to be worn routinely to maintain your new, straighter smile.

CARING FOR MY TEETH WHILE WEARING CLEAR BRACES

While wearing clear braces doesn’t drastically alter a patient’s eating patterns, there are a few changes and dental hygiene habits that potentially help maintain clean teeth, prevent warping or breaking orthodontic devices, and minimize the risk for oral infection or decay, including:

  • Brushing and flossing twice daily
  • Using mouth rinse regularly to remove tartar buildup
  • Avoiding excessively chewy, sticky, and hard foods
  • Minimizing sugar intake
  • Protecting the teeth with a mouth guard during contact sports
  • Attending routine orthodontic and dental checkups

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AESTHETIC AND ORAL BENEFITS OF CLEAR BRACES

If you reside in or near Glen Rock, NJ and are interested in learning more about clear braces for yourself or a family member, contact us at Excel Dentistry and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Mayra Modesto-Garrido will work with you, evaluate your teeth, and determine if clear braces are the right orthodontic fit for you.