The main reason most people avoid resorting to braces, in addition to pain, is the annoying appearance of the braces when smiling. Here is the perfect solution, which is clear braces. Here is everything you need to know about clear braces in this article. 

What are clear braces?  

Transparent braces are the latest technical method to straighten teeth in order to improve their position. This type of braces is not visible like other types, and is made up of transparent removable brackets that can be removed. It is an ideal option for braces. There are a series of transparent trays that take the form of polished teeth and are executed through a computer. Clear braces do not affect the general appearance of the face, in addition to being comfortable and not resulting in any damage or irritation to the gums and mouth. 

What material are clear braces made of?

The material used in its manufacture is plastic or acrylic and does not contain BPA. Therefore, they are quite comfortable compared to metal braces, and braces can deform when exposed to high temperatures.  

In addition, orthodontic braces are worn for a period of time estimated at two to four weeks, and then they are replaced with a new set. When each set is installed, the teeth gradually move to reach their correct position. It is reported that the material is easy to attach tightly to the teeth, and the braces are designed to fit the patient’s teeth.

Cases of use of clear braces

Clear braces were developed to be able to correct both complex and simple dental conditions, due to their wide popularity among patients. 

Cases of using clear dental braces include the following:

• Deep bite cases: When a person's upper front teeth cover more than 30% of the lower front teeth.
• Crossbite cases: When one of a person’s lower teeth advances over the upper one instead of its correct position located inside the upper teeth.
• Open bite cases: Lack of correspondence between the upper and lower teeth, whether in the front or in the back when the mouth is completely closed.
• Cases of spacing or the presence of spaces between the teeth. 
• Cases of tooth crowding: The person's jaw space is narrow and this does not allow the teeth to align properly and in their correct positions.
• Excessive tooth eruption: When the upper front teeth are prominent. 

How do clear aligners work?

Clear braces work through a set of transparent plastic molds that have been designed for each case individually, as they cover the teeth tightly and gradually move them towards the correct position through successive stages. The patient wears each mold for a period ranging from one to two weeks according to the doctor’s instructions, after which he moves to the next mold, which is prepared with a simple movement of the teeth from the previous mold. In this way, the positions of the teeth are gradually corrected without the need for wires or metal brackets, and thus it is a comfortable and aesthetic option at the same time.

How to install clear braces

The installation of clear braces is done in a completely different way than the installation of metal braces, as it does not require attaching brackets or installing wires. It depends on the manufacture of a set of specially designed transparent molds, and the method of installation by the doctor is as follows:

• The doctor begins by examining the mouth and teeth and photographing them using X-rays and digital scanning devices to obtain accurate measurements of the jaw.
• The oral data is sent to a special laboratory or a 3D computer program to design a complete treatment plan that shows each stage of tooth movement, and a series of transparent molds are produced based on this plan.
• The doctor gives the patient the first set of them, and shows him how to put them on, take them off, and take care of them.
• The doctor does not need to install anything permanently inside the mouth. Rather, he tests the first mold on the teeth to ensure its suitability. He also explains to the patient how to insert it over the teeth with light pressure with the fingertips until it stays in place.
• The patient visits the doctor every few weeks to receive the next casts according to the development of the dental condition.

Do clear braces treat protruding teeth?

The normal amount of tooth protrusion is 2 mm. More than that, a person’s appearance is characterized by the presence of protruding teeth. In some cases, excessive tooth protrusion is hereditary. 

The cause of tooth eruption may be due to some daily habits, such as thumb sucking during the developmental stage in children, pushing the tongue forward, or prolonged use of lollipops in children.

Yes, clear aligners can be used as a solution to treat the problem of tooth protrusion, although it may take time to complete the adjustment process, but it is able to achieve noticeable results and effectively fix the problem of tooth protrusion. 

Clear braces are suitable for people who suffer from simple to moderate dental problems, but complex problems may require other techniques to help adjust the teeth. 

Can be recognized: Everything you want to know about dental lenses

Invisalign clear braces

Invisalign clear braces are series of molds made of plastic materials that the dentist attaches to the teeth. 

The dentist replaces the Invisalign according to the time frames he deems appropriate, and the Invisalign trays move the teeth slightly, which gradually reduces tooth crowding until the final result is reached.

First, the dentist takes the size of the patient’s teeth and sends them to the laboratory specialized in manufacturing clear aligners, which designs multiple Invisalign impressions for the patient, approximately (1-5) impressions.

When the patient is fitted with the first impression, which is designed according to a specific force, on his teeth, it can be continued for a week or two, depending on the patient’s condition and the condition determined by the doctor. 

After two weeks, the second Invisalign impression must be placed on the teeth. It is also designed according to a strength that is proportional to the results of the first impression, and so on until the last impression is reached and thus the Invisalign orthodontic period ends. 

In general, clear braces have several advantages, the most notable of which are:

• Invisible: It consists of a group of transparent brackets on the teeth, so it does not affect the patient’s appearance while wearing it.
• More comfortable: It does not cause pain or wounds in the mouth as in the case of metal braces, and it also allows for normal breathing and speaking.
• Ease of use: They are changed  every two to three weeks, while traditional braces are tightened every two months, making clear braces easier to use and maintain.
• Saving time: It is considered fast and effective in correcting dental problems, as the desired results can be obtained in a shorter period compared to traditional braces.

Book your consultation now at Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

My experience with clear braces

There are many experiences with clear dental braces. They are commonly used, and this is the experience of some patients in using clear dental braces. 

This patient tells her experience, saying, “I was suffering from an anterior open bite and crowding in both jaws. After visiting the dentist, he prescribed me 34 clear upper braces and 17 clear lower braces to close the open bite and fix the crowding problem.”

 I had to change the braces every two weeks, the treatment took 24 months, now that the treatment is over I feel  very confident while showing off her amazing smile”

What are the disadvantages of clear braces?

Despite the many advantages we mentioned of clear braces, it has potential drawbacks, the most important of which are:

• Feeling gum irritation: Some patients may feel gum irritation, as a result of the constant friction of the clear braces with the soft tissues of the mouth, but usually the irritation goes away gradually after a few days of starting to wear the braces.
• Requires commitment: The patient must commit to wearing the clear aligners daily for a period of no less than 22 hours. Negligence affects the effectiveness of the treatment and the length of the period of wearing it.
•  More expensive: Clear braces are likely to cost more than traditional braces, but it should be considered worth the investment for the good end results they provide.

How long do you wear clear braces?

The duration of treatment is usually approximately two years, and reaching the final result depends on the extent of the aggravation of the problem treated by the braces.

Learn about: The duration of wearing other types of braces

Side effects of clear braces

Despite the advantages of clear braces that we mentioned, there are some side effects that may occur as a result of neglecting the steps to take care of the braces, for example:

• Juices, soda drinks, acidic or high-sugar drinks can easily penetrate the braces and remain on the surface of the teeth and braces for a long time, causing discolouration of the braces and teeth.
• Clear aligners are more likely to adhere to dust and viruses, so you should always avoid placing them in dirty places such as unclean surfaces, tissues, or in pockets. 
• In general, braces may cause difficulty breathing; 
• Sore throat and tongue, after a period of wearing braces, especially clear braces. The patient may suffer from sore throat, which hinders swallowing, and may lead to other complications.
•  In many cases, the materials manufactured for clear braces do not suit the nature of the patient’s mouth. 
• Due to improper fitting of braces in the mouth, swelling of the lips, coughing, and shortness of breath may occur.

Learn about: Everything that matters to you about dental crowns for a perfect smile and self-confidence

The difference between clear aligner retainers and iron

The clear braces retainer is used after the braces removal process. There is an iron retainer and a clear retainer made of plastic. Here is the difference as follows:

Iron dental retainer

• The stabilizer is easy to install and remove, and it is classified into two types, one of which is removable and the other is fixed and permanent.
• It is solid but visible and has no appeal.
• It comes with a durable retainer, so it is suitable for people with problems of misaligned teeth and crowded teeth, and who are also prone to gaps between the teeth.
• It is characterized by the fact that it does not hinder eating or speaking.
• Its duration ranges from 5 to 10 years.
• There is a type of iron orthodontic retainer, in which the wires are fixed behind the teeth, so it is invisible and thus does not harm the appearance of the mouth.
• The fixed type has the disadvantage of having to remove it when brushing the teeth, and this leads to the accumulation of tartar and plaque on the teeth.
• The fixed type is also visible and thus makes the smile look bad.
• The moveable type affects speech, and there is a requirement to remove it before eating.
• It is noteworthy that the removable type is not suitable for those who suffer from severe misalignment of teeth.

Transparent dental retainer 

• It is considered an invisible retainer and when used, it is easy to care for the mouth.
• It is classified as a type of low-rigidity orthodontic retainer.
• It can be installed and removed without going to the dentist.
• It is characterized as not negatively affecting oral health. It can be removed and teeth cleaned using a brush and paste, and after dental care it is installed again.
• This type is suitable for people with minor dental problems.
• It is mentioned that its disadvantages include difficulty in speaking, and the necessity of removing it before eating.
• It is considered not good at touching the teeth and thus causes discomfort to the person.

Frequently asked questions

Are clear braces recommended?

Yes, clear braces are recommended because they are made of the best transparent and durable materials, which achieve an amazing result in adjusting the teeth to their natural position. They are easy to use and do not pose any problem, as they are easily removed when you want to clean the teeth or when eating, and they do not cause distortion of the appearance of the teeth.

Are clear braces comfortable?

Clear braces provide complete comfort for the patient. The teeth cannot be exposed to any harm. They do not cause any pain to the teeth as occurs in traditional braces. They do not cause damage to the cheek, damage to the gums, or damage to the tongue. They are comfortable and unobtrusive braces.

Can I eat anything while using clear braces?

It is possible to eat foods while getting clear braces, but you should stay away from solid foods and avoid eating sticky food. It is best to eat soft foods and foods that are easy to digest, which include cooked meat, boiled vegetables, and fruits after peeling and mashing, in addition to the possibility of eating soup, juices, and yogurt. It is necessary to cut foods into small pieces in order to avoid pressure on the braces, while making sure to clean the teeth immediately after eating.

Are clear braces suitable for everyone?

Despite the advantages of clear dental braces, it is not suitable for all cases, and the specialist doctor is the one who determines that, but in general it is suitable for adults and teenagers, and it is not suitable for children and cases in which the person has an advanced tooth crowding problem, and it is not used when there are advanced or severe problems with the bite, and it is prohibited from using it when the jaws are compatible, but it is good in the case of a mild and medium tooth crowding and spacing problem. 

In conclusion, Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides many dental services, which make the teeth appear healthy and attractive through cosmetic dentistry services, teeth whitening services, clear braces, and all types of orthodontics. 

 Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is characterized by a specialized work team and modern equipment that ensures the provision of high-quality services. Contacts, reservations, and inquiries can be made on our numbers listed on the website. 

Medical references 

Clear Braces – clevelandclinic