Clear Braces

Clear braces help to correct issues including overbite, underbite, crooked teeth, crowding, gapped and overlapping teeth, without using unsightly metal wires.

What are clear braces?

There are several products on the market being labelled as clear braces. This includes clear aligners, which offer the same result as wired braces but without any wires. There are also wired braces that use clear brackets and frosted wires to help reduce their visibility. Lastly, there are types of wired braces that are fixed on the inside of your teeth so they cannot be seen when you smile.

When discussing clear braces, this document is referring to Smile White clear aligners.

Clear braces vs. metal braces

Clear braces use a series of custom transparent retainers to gently coax your teeth into alignment. Clear braces are transparent meaning when you smile no wires, brackets, springs or hooks can be seen. Clear braces are easily removable. This means you can eat your favourite foods without hindrance. Just remember to brush your teeth and braces before re-inserting them.

Metal braces are created by cementing brackets to your teeth and applying tension through wires, springs, hooks and elastic bands. These semi-permanent braces are more easily seen when you smile and require repeated visits to your orthodontist for adjustments. With this type of brace, you will have to watch what you eat, avoiding certain foods which can damage your brace.

Wearing your aligners 22 hours a day will make your treatment work faster than with metal wired braces.

Are clear braces effective?

Clear braces are just as effective as traditional orthodontics. The duration of your treatment is dependent on the severity of your case.

We recommend that you wear your clear braces between 20 and 22 hours each day to achieve an optimum result.

Why choose clear dental braces?

Clear dental braces are an effective treatment for a wide range of misalignment issues including:

• Malocclusion – when upper and lower teeth don’t align
• Overbite – when upper teeth overlap
• Underbite – when lower teeth overlap
• Crossbite – when one or more teeth are out of alignment
• Open bite – when upper and lower front teeth don’t align
• Crowding – misaligned teeth
• Gaps and spaces – excessive space between teeth
• Overlapping – when teeth are pushed in front or behind others

Fixing your teeth can help improve confidence and self-esteem, reduce risk of cavities and gum disease, help chewing and correct speech issues.

Process of getting clear braces

We have simplified the process of getting clear braces. As a result you will only need to visit your orthodontists a handful of times during your treatment.

Before you get clear orthodontic braces

Your first visit to a Smile White approved dentist will include a dental check-up to make sure your teeth are healthy and that you don’t have any tooth decay, cavities, gum disease or receding gums. If issues are found, we will recommend a course of treatment before proceeding.

Once approved, your orthodontists will either make a 3D scan of your mouth or ask you to make a dental impression. This allows us to create clear dental braces that perfectly fit your mouth.

Fitting clear braces

On your next visit you will be shown how to insert and remove your braces, when to update your brace and how to take care of your braces throughout your treatment.

Are clear braces painful?

All braces work by gently moving teeth within your gums. As a result, you may experience some discomfort when you start your treatment. Speak to your orthodontist about over the counter treatments to help mitigate this pain. We also advise that you initially avoid any hard, crunchy or sticky foods for the first few days until you feel more comfortable.

Risks / benefits

Advantages of clear braces

Clear dental braces offer many advantages over other teeth straightening treatments:

• Less noticeable than wired braces
• Easily removable
• Eat and drink what you like
• Easy to clean
• Fewer visits to your dentist
• Up to 60% cheaper

Cleaning clear braces

It is easy to clean and care for your clear braces. Use clear aligner cleaning tablets to kill any bacteria, and brush the brace with a soft bristle brush and cold water.

Avoid dark coloured food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and tomato juice. Always brush and floss your teeth daily, and avoid smoking.

Do clear braces break easier than metal braces?

Clear braces are reasonably robust and are not easily damaged.

This is a contrast to metal braces which can be damaged by various foods, causing wires to break, brackets to become dislodged and bands to break.

If you have any issues with your clear braces, please contact your orthodontist.

Are clear braces more expensive?

Smile White clear aligners are up to 60% cheaper and more convenient when compared to metal braces.

How long do clear braces take to work?

• Mild cases can see results in between four to six months
• Moderate cases require between six to twelve months
• Severe cases can take over 12 months for treatment to be complete

To find out how your treatment could take, please contact us today.

What can I eat when wearing clear braces?

With traditional metal braces you need to avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods to preserve the orthodontic. Smile White clear braces are easily removable. Take your brace out to enjoy foods that are not available for other types of orthodontics including apples, carrots, sweetcorn, crisps, ice, popcorn, caramel, toffee, liquorice, gum, nuts, boiled sweets, coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce and soy sauce.

Remember to brush your teeth and clear braces before re-inserting them.

Find clear braces near you at a Smile White approved dentist

We have approved dentists throughout the UK. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and book an appointment at a dentist near you.

FAQ

Do clear braces take longer?

No. Clear braces do not take longer to achieve straight teeth compared to traditional orthodontic braces.

• Mild cases can see results in between four to six months
• Moderate cases require six to twelve months
• Severe cases can take over 12 months for treatment to be complete

Are clear braces for adults?

Yes. We recommend Smile White clear aligners for adults. They are not designed for children.