Braces have changed the way people think about getting their teeth straight. Patients can now get beautiful smiles with braces that blend in with their teeth instead of having to deal with the obvious look of metal brackets and wires. We love helping people get the results they want without feeling self-conscious during treatment at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. We’ve seen how much confidence clear braces give our patients.
Over the years the technology behind clear orthodontic braces has come a long way. Modern ceramic brackets are made of strong, long lasting materials that match the colour of your teeth. These brackets can handle the forces needed to move teeth without changing their appearance during treatment if they are looked after properly. We also use wires that are the same colour as teeth or clear, which makes the whole thing even less noticeable. The combination makes a treatment option that works just as well as regular braces but looks a lot less obvious. The first step in getting clear orthodontic braces is to have your teeth looked at. We take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth to see exactly how they are positioned and what needs to be done to fix them. We can make a treatment plan for you because of this information. We make an appointment to attach the brackets to your teeth once we have a plan in place. We attach each bracket with special glue and then run a wire through them to start moving your teeth. Most patients find the first appointment easy and comfortable. It usually takes one to two hours.
You’ll need to come see us regularly after your braces are on to get them adjusted. These appointments are every four to six weeks and give us a chance to check on your progress, tighten the wire and talk about any concerns you may have. We keep an eye on everything to make sure your teeth are moving according to plan with each adjustment. Most people wear their clear braces for one to two years but the exact time depends on how complex your case is.
To keep clear braces looking their best you need to pay attention to them. If you eat or drink certain things a lot the ceramic material can stain. Over time coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and foods with bright colours like curry or berries can change the colour of the brackets. We give you clear instructions on what to avoid or eat in moderation. You need to brush your teeth after every meal. We show you how to clean around your wires and brackets. Brushing and flossing your teeth well not only keeps your braces looking clean but also protects your teeth and gums during treatment.
A lot of people want to know how clear braces compare to other treatments. Clear braces stay in place all day every day unlike removable aligners. This means they are always working to move your teeth. You don’t have to remember to put them in or be afraid of losing them. For people who need a lot of changes or have complicated bite problems fixed braces are usually the best option. But every case is different and we will go over all your options during your consultation. Clear orthodontic braces are more expensive than metal braces because of the materials. But many people in Gurnee, IL feel it’s worth it because they feel more confident when their treatment isn’t as obvious. We work with most insurance companies to get you the most benefits possible and offer flexible payment plans to make orthodontic care affordable. Our staff takes care of all the paperwork for your insurance and makes sure you know exactly what your plan will cover.
Families thinking about getting orthodontic work done on their kids can get early evaluations from Pediatric Dentistry to find problems before they get worse. We can make a treatment plan that works best for your child’s growth if we start evaluating their teeth at a young age.
We promise to give you top notch orthodontic care in a friendly and comfortable environment at our Gurnee, IL office. Patients who want effective treatment without the obvious look of traditional braces should consider clear orthodontic braces. Book an appointment at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry to have your teeth looked at, ask questions and see if clear braces are right for you. Invisalign clear aligners provide a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit comfortably and guide your teeth gradually into place. This treatment is ideal for patients seeking flexibility and aesthetics during orthodontic care.