Clear and Metal Braces at Smith Orthodontics

Correcting tooth alignment is more than just a cosmetic issue. Overcrowding is a serious concern that impacts the health of your teeth. When your teeth overlap or press against each other, it can be more difficult to floss and brush effectively, giving bacteria an opportunity to gain a foothold. If left untreated, overcrowding can often lead to tooth decay and disease.

In most cases, braces are the best way to correct overcrowding and give you the bright, brilliant smile that you want. Although many people worry that braces will be unattractive and painful, the truth is that modern braces are much more comfortable, and less noticeable than the clunky metal braces of the past.

Traditional braces remain the most effective at correcting extreme overcrowding and alignment issues with each arch. With metal braces, your orthodontist has the most control to make small adjustments over time, gradually moving your teeth into the best alignment for your mouth.

Modern metal braces are smaller and less noticeable than they were in the past, with advanced technology that will gently move your teeth into alignment more quickly, and with less discomfort. They are also less expensive than clear braces, making metal a very attractive solution for patients on a budget.

Clear braces are often the most appealing choice for older patients, who want to make discrete adjustments to the alignment of their teeth. Virtually invisible, these braces can fit into your life easily, while letting you feel confident in your smile. Clear braces use a tieless system combined with an advanced archwire, that has several advantages over traditional braces and invisible aligners:

• Since clear braces do not use elastics or metal ties, they do not collect as much bacteria and can be easier to clean.
• Some patients find that clear braces are more comfortable, since the self-ligating brackets exert less pressure on the tooth compared to traditional braces.
• Unlike an aligner, clear braces are not removable. They work to straighten your teeth 24 hours a day. Clear braces have been shown to produce a high quality result, combining many of the strengths of traditional metal braces and invisible aligners. However, they are not right for every patient. Talk to your orthodontist to decide which approach is best for you.

ClearCorrect is a clear, comfortable, medical grade alternative to metal braces. The aligners are removable and allow you to easily eat your favorite foods, brush and floss. They're the perfect option for individuals who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to them.

Whether you choose metal or clear braces, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your appliance in good condition throughout your treatment.