Are clear braces actually “clear”?

 

In the past, orthodontic treatments involving teeth realignment were typically performed using traditional dental braces with wires and brackets in order to straighten crooked, misaligned or crowded teeth. Although effective, traditional dental braces can be unsightly, especially for image-conscious teenagers.

However, advancements in dental technology have given rise to clear braces that provide all of the function of traditional dental braces, but without much of the adverse effect that normal dental braces might have on a person’s image.

Clear braces aren’t actually completely clear and so are not invisible in the wearer’s mouth. Instead, clear braces are fabricated from ceramic materials and alloys that appear to be clear; while traditional metallic braces are instantly noticeable, casual observers will likely fail to notice a person is wearing clear braces at all without closer inspection.

Clear braces work in the same fashion as traditional braces; they are fitted by an orthodontist as a means to exert pressure on specific teeth in order to slowly pull them into position and correct issues such as overbites, underbites, or to correct spaces between teeth to improve alignment.

In addition to their clear appearance, clear braces are also lighter and less bulky in the mouth.

For a completely clear solution to realign teeth, consider Invisalign as an alternative to clear braces. Although many people believe the two to be one-and-the-same, they are in fact two distinctly different treatments. While clear braces follow the same bracket and wire model of traditional braces, Invisalign involves the use of transparent trays that a patient wears for a period of time over their teeth.

Invisalign treatment involves a wearer using a series of clear mouth-guards that have been created to shift teeth in pre-determined small increments over a period of time. Each mouth-guard is worn for around two weeks, before it is discarded and the next one in the sequence is worn, again for a period of around two weeks. The treatment continues on a similar cycle until the desired result is achieved.

And so, for any image conscious teenager – or adult – who is seeking a method of improving their smile through the orthodontic realignment of teeth, there are methods available to allow them to do so, from clear braces to Invisalign.

Contact Newman Orthodontics, serving Long Island, to schedule your orthodontic evaluation today.

Should I Continue To See My General Dentist While I Have Braces?

Getting braces can be a confusing process. Once your orthodontist installs the braces, there are several things to remember about how to properly care for them. This can include watching what you eat, adjusting the tension of the braces, cleaning the bands (if you have them), and continuing to get regular check-ups with your general dentist.

Most orthodontists recommend that their patients with braces see their general dentists every four to six months. The general dentist will conduct a routine cleaning of your teeth and gums. He or she will also give a cursory check of your braces and check your teeth for any cavities.

When you have braces, it is very important that you brush and floss daily. Bacteria can build up between the brackets and between your teeth, which can cause decay and cavities. If this occurs, you might need to visit the general dentist more often. Bacteria build up, especially that caused by poor oral hygiene and the consumption of sodas and other sugary foods, can also cause calcification scars on the teeth. Following the dietary guidelines given to you by your orthodontist, getting routine cleanings by your dentist, and practicing good oral hygiene will help prevent tooth scarring.

To maximize the effect of your braces and make the job easier on the dentist, avoid sugary foods that can cause tooth decay. You should also avoid hard foods, sticky foods, or liquids that are high in acid.

Along with seeing your general dentist every four to six months, a patient who has a history of gum disease will also need to see a periodontist while he or she has braces. Once you have the braces installed by the orthodontist, contact your general dentist and periodontist, if necessary, to determine the frequency with which you need to come in for cleanings and exams.

Our Long Island staff at Newman Orthodontics is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding orthodontic treatment. Call 516-626-2060 and schedule your consultation today!

Orthodontics: What Is An Expander?

Our bite can be influenced by habits like thumb sucking and also by hereditary factors. If you have large teeth and your spouse has a small upper palate, your child could inherit both genetic factors. This might result in crowded teeth and the need for braces. For some, an expander will have to be put in place prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. If your child is in need of braces in Long Island, our orthodontist will begin with an assessment of palate size to determine the plan of treatment.

The expander is a fixture in the field of orthodontics and is usually a prelude to braces. The appliance is used to help expand the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the maxillary molars. The device will have to be adjusted a few times until the desired width is achieved. It is important to stress that this orthodontic appliance must be worn as prescribed by the orthodontist.

If you wonder how jaw expansion can help create the perfect bite, the reason is quite simple. With proper expansion techniques, the orthodontist will be able to give large teeth ample space to move when braces are put in place. When the appropriate width is reached, the patient will be required to wear the orthodontic expander for a few more months. No adjustments will be made, but it is an important step because if treatment discontinues abruptly, there is a chance that the jaw will return to its original width.

There are other benefits to jaw expansion. Some people who have narrow or deep jaws, breathing through the nose is difficult. Those who wore their expander religiously report that they have an easier time breathing nasally. It is also important to point out that not everyone who requires braces will need to have an expander before treatment starts. With the help of a panoramic and cephalometric x-ray, your orthodontist will be able to determine if the patient requires this treatment beforehand. Since the palate fuses when the patient is 15 to 16 years of age, the expander is designed to be used before this occurs.

To learn more and to schedule a consultation, please contact Newman’s Orthodontics at516-626-2060.