Choosing My Clear Braces Treatment

For many adults, braces provide an opportunity to address long-term bite problems, correct alignment relapse, and improve overall symmetry and smile aesthetics. Thanks to the introduction of clear braces, mature patients are now able to enjoy the benefits of straighter smiles, without the discomfort or inconvenience of bulky metal braces. With so many different types of clear braces, patients have several different braces treatment options, each of which work best for different types of orthodontic needs. To determine which clear braces option works best for your smile, consider the following:

Orthodontic Goals
Depending on the patient’s ultimate goals, certain clear braces may be more effective. Patients that have crooked teeth in their smile zones and who are considering braces only for aesthetic reasons may benefit more from accelerated care with Six Month Smiles®. By using tooth-colored wires and clear brackets, this treatment combines the aesthetic benefits of clear braces with the stability of traditional braces.

For individuals seeking to alleviate more extensive bite alignment issues or relapsed teeth following previous orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® may provide a more effective solution to comprehensively addressing these issues. Unlike Six Month Smiles®, Invisalign® uses clear, removable aligning trays to straighten all teeth. Over the course of treatment, trays are swapped out, moving teeth without the need for brackets.

Duration
How long treatment takes is another key factor to consider when weighing your clear braces options. As Six Month Smiles® uses brackets and wires to re-align only teeth in the smile zone, this clear braces option operates in a shorter treatment window is an ideal option for patients pursuing cosmetic dental treatment in preparation for an upcoming event. On the other hand, while Invisalign® does take more time from the initial consultation through final follow-up appointments, the nature of treatment provides patients with comprehensive results for their entire smile, rather than just visible front teeth.

Patient Commitment
The level of patient involvement with treatment also plays a significant role in determining the best clear braces treatment option for your lifestyle. As the brackets of Six Month Smiles® are attached to teeth, patients are required to come in weekly for check-ups and tightening.

In contrast, as Invisalign® is removable, patients are able to trade out their trays at home, only visiting the dentist’s office every few weeks for check-ups. Being able to change trays at-home is highly convenient, however it does require patient diligence in wearing trays for the required 22 hours per day, maintaining exceptional oral hygiene, and swapping out trays when dictated by their unique treatment plan. Invisalign® is often recommended for adults committed to closely following at-home instructions.

Learn More about Clear Braces Today
Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team of experienced dental specialists are dedicated to ensuring all patients receive personalized treatments that meet their unique health needs and help to achieve their smile goals. Our Newton dental practice offers Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles® as comprehensive, successful alternatives to traditional orthodontics. To learn more about your clear braces options in Newton, contact our team today.