Braces
These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word "braces." However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious "metal-mouth" braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.
Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves Cons: Most noticeable type of braces
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners (Invisalign) Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well
ClearCorrect offers clear teeth aligners involving no metal, making them nearly invisible.
You can choose from three different options: Unlimited, Limited 12, and Limited 6. Unlimited give patients as many aligners as they need to straighten their teeth. Limit 12 gives you 12 sets of aligners, and Limited 6 gives you six aligners. Unlimited is the most expensive while Limited 6 is the most affordable.
With a ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll go through four phases of alignment, each phase involving a new set of clear aligners. Each period lasts three weeks and the you would wear them 24/7 except when eating, drinking, or during oral hygiene care.
When you transition from one step to the next, you should notice results in the alignment of your teeth. You’ll also need to have checkups with your dentist throughout the process to ensure everything is going as planned.
Right now, ClearCorrect is meant for teenagers and adults, although kids who don’t have all of their molars, or senior citizens who have more complicated dental situations could be candidates. In any case, you should consult with your dentist before getting invisible teeth aligners.
Anyone who has the below conditions may be good candidates for ClearCorrect:
Obviously, the length of treatment varies depending on each individual case. But typically, treatment takes between a couple months and a few years. When you meet with your dental professional about your specific plan, they should be able to give you a more precise estimate.