Posted: January 11, 2018
Adults often want a straight, and bright smile, with no spaces or overlapping teeth. Many people wonder how they can have straight teeth without traditional braces. A common question that gets asked is, "Can I have invisalign or clear braces?" Invisalign is a widely known brand of clear aligners. However, there are many brands of clear aligners that fit and look the same. Clear braces are different from clear aligners. Clear braces involve brackets that are tooth colored. Along with a tooth colored wire.
Clear braces, such as Six Month Smiles, can help achieve straight teeth within an average of 6 to 9 months. Six Month Smiles is a cosmetic option to metal braces. The brackets match the teeth closely in shade along with a matching wire. Many people find that their friends and family members do not notice clear brackets. And this eases them into the idea of getting braces as an adult patient.
Metal brackets have a number of advantages. It is easier to keep metal brackets clean because the metal is clearly decipherable from any remnant food or plaque. Metal brackets are more exact in their tooth movement. When a patient has rotated teeth or severe crowding, metal brackets or traditional braces offer the best choice of alignment. You may even choose to have metal brackets in your non esthetic zone and have clear brackets on your front teeth.
Invisalign or clear aligners are an amazing option and alternative to braces. Especially when you need minor movements. Clear aligners can help close spacing, straighten 1 or 2 slightly rotated teeth rather easily. Clear aligners must be worn for about 22 hours a day. So you can only remove them to eat.
So how do you choose between clear aligners, clear brackets, or traditional braces? It depends on how much you would like to change the alignment of your teeth. The more change you desire, the more traditional the treatment method should be. The best option also depends on your schedule and if you are able to maintain and/or wear removable aligners for up to 22 hours a day.
If you or a family member are considering straightening your teeth, call us for a dental consultation. We can discuss what process would best fit your schedule and goals. Museum Smiles is conveniently located within minutes of Downtown Fort Worth. And is in walking distance of the Modern Art Museum.
