Dr. Jared Lee and the team at Oxnard Orthodontics offer their patients that live in or work near Camarillo CA the latest and most advanced treatments available today, including clear braces. Patients considering different treatment approaches to their orthodontic needs can choose traditional braces, clear braces, lingual braces, or clear thermoplastic aligners. But what are clear braces? Are they better than metal ones?
What are “traditional” braces? What are clear braces?
Traditional metal braces are made of metal brackets and wires that attach to the front surfaces of the teeth. Some even come in a choice of colors for a bit of fun. Clear braces are like traditional metal braces in that they are also affixed to the front surfaces of the teeth. Clear braces, however, are made out of a clear, ceramic material made to mimic the shade of teeth. They are much less noticeable to the casual observer than traditional metal braces are. Both types of braces are joined by a wire, metal or clear, to exert pressure and move the teeth within the mouth.
The benefits of clear braces
Clear braces are an option for teens and adults who need to wear braces but are concerned or self-conscious about how they will appear once the braces are on their teeth. Clear braces are:
• Clear. A benefit to clear braces is that they are clear (duh). More accurately, they are made to match the color of the teeth. They are less obvious in normal social interactions. Traditional metal braces are more obvious; so much so that some patients can now choose fun and fancy colors to sport their dental appliances. This is not for everyone, though. Options are a good thing.
• Effective: Braces are effective in treating the most severe of orthodontic issues. Newer alternatives to braces are available, but the technology has not advanced so that tray aligners can treat every case. Patients looking for options in orthodontic treatment are confident that clear braces treat the issue while being discreet and unobtrusive.
• More comfortable: The metal parts associated with traditional braces can poke, scrape, and irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. Clear braces involve a lot less hardware, so there is less of a chance for irritation to occur.
Having to wear traditional metal braces can bring to mind images of adolescent awkwardness to teens and adults that live in or work near Camarillo CA. While traditional braces are a proven and effective treatment option, there are other approaches that can be less obvious and more comfortable. Dr. Jared Lee and the Oxnard Orthodontics staff have the knowledge and experience to help their patients choose the most effective and appropriate orthodontic treatment for them.