What Are Clear Braces And How Do They Work?
In today’s modern world where aesthetics and the way things look is so important people are looking for alternatives to the classic train track braces in order to have straighter teeth. This is where clear braces clearly step into their own (please excuse the pun!).
Clear orthodontic braces provide adults in the local Rickmansworth and Watford area the ideal way to have straighter teeth without anyone else knowing, let us explain why, how and what exactly this revolutionary style of orthodontics can offer you.
How do clear braces work?
When a small amount of pressure is applied to a tooth, it will naturally move in the direction of that pressure. The process of tooth movement is well understood by science and the bone around your tooth is quite capable of making way to tooth movement and re-forming behind it.
Conventional train track braces apply pressure to the tooth by joining them altogether and using certain teeth as anchors. These anchored teeth are able to pull the other teeth into the correct alignment.
Clear braces work by using a series of clear aligners. Each aligner puts a small amount of pressure on to the teeth in the direction of the movement required. Naturally, as the tooth moves the pressure will reduce and it is at this point that you will need to replace the aligner with a new one.
The Invisalign orthodontic system we use plans how many aligners you need using computer software right at the beginning of your treatment. The computer will then decide how many aligners you need in order to move the teeth in the direction required.
When you have your Invisalign braces you will be provided with two or three aligners, you will then need to come back to the practice to have your progress monitored where we can provide you with further aligners.
Typical treatment takes around 12 months with an aligner lasting approximately 2 weeks.
How do I know what I will look like after orthodontics?
This is one of the most amazing things about Invisalign clear braces, they offer something called a Clincheck™. This Is where we take records of your teeth as they are now, these are then digitised onto a computer screen and the software can then be used to move your teeth virtually.
The new arrangement of your teeth after braces can then be seen on the computer screen and you can make fine adjustments to the exact way you want to look.
The computer program also allows for a video movie of your actual teeth moving into their new position, this will not be a pre-programmed movie of the previous patient, it will actually be your own teeth, which you will be able to see move from the current position today new position.
Here is an example of an Invisalign Clincheck:
Clear braces versus metal braces.
This photograph shows the difference between patients wearing clear braces and metal braces.
You can clearly see that the metal braces in the further picture are much more pronounced an obvious than the clear braces worn by the person in the closest photograph.
There are however some disadvantages with clear braces. The biggest disadvantage is that the Invisalign © system is normally only used to move the teeth in the aesthetic zone, these are typically the front six teeth on the top and bottom jaw.
If you have more complex orthodontic requirements, such as rearranging your bite, or moving back teeth. Then conventional braces may be the option required to you.
It is worth noting, however, that tooth coloured braces may be used in place of the conventional metal braces.
How much are clear braces?
We know cost is an important consideration for you. There is no way to accurately answer this question without first coming in for a consultation.
At that initial meeting the dentist will examine you and take xrays etc. From this he/she will be able to give you an accurate guide to the cost of these clear braces.
In our practice the average investment is in the region of £2500 – this will include all necessary impressions, records, radiographs, all aligners, any refinements needed and retainers.
There are many factors that determine the cost of your Orthodontic treatment: how extensive the issues you want corrected, how long your treatment plan will last, where you live, and the specific treatment details prescribed by your dentist or orthodontist.
Cost comparisons of specific treatments
- Invisalign – from £3000
- 6 Month Smiles – from £1900
- Veneers – from £425 per veneer (typically 8 would be required to achieve the same cosmetic result as orthodontics)
These prices are for illustrative purposes only and individual prices may vary.
Summary
Clear orthodontic braces provide an excellent way to achieve straighter teeth with no one else knowing, they are an affordable option for many patients living in the Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and Watford area of Hertfordshire. New Road Dental practice in Croxley green are proud to offer Invisalign to all of their patients.