Many people in Gurnee, IL want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to wear metal braces that are visible. Because they work and don’t draw attention to your smile while you’re wearing them, clear braces have become very popular. We know how important how our patients look is to them and we’re happy to offer clear options that work at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.
Like regular braces, clear braces work the same way but they use materials that match the color of your teeth. These braces don’t have metal brackets; instead they have ceramic or clear brackets that are harder to see. The wires can also be tooth colored which makes the whole setup less noticeable. Most people won’t even notice you have braces when you smile or talk. This is a big deal for adults who work in professional settings and for teens who are self conscious about how they look.
The process of getting treatment with clear braces is very similar to what you would go through with metal braces. We use a special glue to attach the brackets to your teeth and then we connect them with a wire that puts light pressure on them. This pressure will move your teeth into the right places over time. You will have regular appointments with us so we can check on your progress and make changes to the wire. These visits are short and give us a chance to check that everything is going as planned.
People ask us if clear braces take longer to work than metal braces. The good news is that the length of treatment is usually the same. The brackets may look different but they work just as well. Depending on how much correction is needed, most patients wear their braces for one to three years. We can give you a better estimate during your first appointment.
You need to take care of clear braces just like you do metal braces. To keep your teeth and gums healthy you should brush carefully after every meal and floss every day. We show all of our patients how to clean and give them tips on how to make it easier. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or other dark drinks clear brackets can get stained. We talk about how to keep your braces from staining so they look their best during treatment.
When choosing clear braces cost is a factor. Because they are made of more expensive materials they usually cost a little more than regular metal braces. But many patients feel the extra cost is worth it because they feel more confident with a treatment option that’s not as obvious. We help families make payment plans that work for their budget and we also help you understand what your insurance will pay for. We want to make sure everyone who needs it can get good orthodontic care.
We also talk about Invisalign as an option for patients who want an even more private option than any type of fixed braces. Instead of brackets and wires this treatment uses clear plastic aligners which are the most invisible. We can help you choose the best option for your lifestyle and treatment goals during your consultation by comparing all of your options.
For years people in Gurnee, IL have been interested in clear braces. We have helped hundreds of people who wanted to fix their smile without having to wear braces that looked like they were wearing braces. Clear braces can be a great choice for busy professionals, students or parents who want to set a good example for their kids. The technology has come a long way and today’s clear braces are strong, work well and are comfortable.
We at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry believe everyone should feel good about their smile while they are in treatment. You can straighten your teeth with clear braces and still feel confident in social and professional situations. The results are just as good as those from metal braces but you don’t have to worry about how your braces look which makes the experience feel different.
If you haven’t gotten orthodontic treatment yet because you didn’t want to wear braces that showed, clear braces might be just what you need. We encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can take a look at your teeth, talk about your concerns and go over all your options. You don’t have to sacrifice your looks to get the smile you want.