Clear Braces

How are clear braces different from metal braces?

Clear braces and metal braces both improve the alignment of your teeth or jaw, but they aren’t the same:

Clear braces

Clear braces are also bonded to the front of your teeth. They have ceramic brackets, frosted wires, and clear rubber bands that apply pressure to your teeth and jaw. The pressure moves your teeth or jaw into proper alignment, improving your smile’s balance and symmetry.

Because clear braces are tooth colored, they blend in with your smile so treatment is less noticeable. Clear braces are also stain-resistant. 

Metal braces

Metal braces are orthodontic appliances bonded to the front of your teeth. The difference is they use metal brackets, metal arch wires, and rubber bands. Metal braces are more noticeable than clear braces.

What types of alignment issues can clear braces treat?

Dr. Mozayeni uses clear braces to treat various alignment issues, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites
• Mismatched dental midlines (when the upper and lower arches don’t align)

Sometimes, Dr. Mozayeni prescribes clear braces to treat jaw and facial pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Improving your jaw’s alignment can ease tension from teeth grinding and jaw clenching, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

What does clear braces treatment involve?

Before recommending clear braces, Dr. Mozayeni reviews your dental records and completes an oral exam. If you have cavities, gum disease, or other severe dental issues, Dr. Mozayeni treats them first. Attaching clear braces to unhealthy teeth increases the risk of complications.

If you qualify for clear braces, Dr. Mozayeni numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and carefully bonds the clear braces to your teeth. This process takes about an hour. After your clear braces are applied, you visit Dr. Mozayeni every 6-8 weeks for checkups.

At each visit, Dr. Mozayeni monitors the alignment of your teeth and jaw and makes adjustments when needed. 

Does it take a long time for clear braces to work?

The time it takes for clear braces to work depends on the alignment issues treated and their severity. Most people complete orthodontic treatment within 12-18 months* but it might take longer. For optimal results, follow Dr. Mozayeni’s instructions and attend each of your checkups.

Call the nearest Mandana Mozayeni Orthodontics office today to schedule a clear braces consultation, or book your appointment online. 

*Individual results may vary.