Clear Braces are an alternative to traditional braces (brackets and wires) that can be used to straighten your teeth. Clear braces consists of a clear plastic tray that you will wear over your teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for clear braces, an appropriate examination with study models and radiographs is required. If you are a candidate for clear braces, the next step after the examination is to take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are then sent to a laboratory that will fabricate the clear trays that you will wear.
The straightening process is as follows: you will wear a clear tray for 2-3 weeks and then remove it and place a new clear tray for 2-3 weeks which is then removed and switched for another clear tray. Each clear tray moves the teeth little by little until they are straight. Depending on how much tooth movement is needed will determine how many clear trays will be needed. On average, most pt.’s at Simms Family Dentistry require 12-18 months for treatment to be completed, but depending on your particular case, this time could be more or less. One thing to note is depending on the tooth movement that is needed to straighten your teeth, buttons sometimes will need to placed on your teeth. These buttons are tooth colored to help keep them as inconspicuous as possible. Throughout your treatment you will need to see Dr. Simms every 4-6 weeks to monitor your progress and dispense the next set of clear trays.
Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear retainers routinely to ensure your teeth stay straight. This is very important to know and to discuss before beginning treatment.
Do you have questions about clear braces or other services we offer? Contact us today and we look forward to helping you!
