Clear Braces In Smithtown

If you’re thinking about getting braces, there are a few things to consider. Your journey with braces will take quite a while, usually between 6 months to 1 year, so it makes sense that you try and make that period as comfortable as possible. One of the most important decisions to make is the type of braces.

There are a few types on the market, each with its merits and drawbacks. One of these types that have gained significant popularity over the past few years is clear braces. If you are searching for clear braces in Smithtown, you’ve come to the right place to know all you need to know about that type.

What Are Clear Braces?

So we all know the traditional metallic braces, with metal brackets, metal wire, and colorful elastics on top of them, right? Did you know that there are similar braces, only clear (or transparent) in color?

That is basically what clear braces are. Very similar to metallic braces in design but very different in appearance. They have the same bracket design, but they are made of transparent ceramic rather than metal. The wire is still metallic but often coated with a white material similar to nail polish, making it much better looking. Finally, the colorful, round elastics give way to colorless white ones. The whole assembly looks much better compared to its metallic ancestor.

How Do Clear Braces Work?

All fixed braces – including clear braces – work in the same manner. The brackets are attached to the surface of the teeth with a special glue, making them a single unit able to move together. Together with the elastics, the wire exerts a pulling force on the brackets – and subsequently the teeth – to move them to the desired location with ultimate precision.

Metal Braces Vs. Clear Braces In Smithtown: Which is best?

Now we come to the ultimate question: What do clear braces offer that you cannot find with metal braces?

The answer is simple: A much better appearance. As you can probably imagine, the appearance of the metallic braces is unpleasant. It is perhaps the most common reason why people defer from braces altogether and also could be the reason why some people – particularly adults – discontinue their treatment after they’ve started it.

Clear braces offer a solution to that problem. They are much better looking. There are no more “metal mouth” taunts to be expected and no embarrassment with your appearance.

Clear Braces Vs. Invisalign

Another solution to the appearance problem is the ever-popular Invisalign. Unlike other types of fixed braces, Invisalign is composed of a system of computer-designed plastic, transparent molds that fit on the outside of the teeth, where you can remove them at will.

The design is practically invisible and far more comfortable than other braces types, including clear braces. Invisalign is also entirely designed and made by computers. This means higher accuracy and a shorter treatment time to be expected.

However, clear braces hold two advantages over Invisalign:

1. Clear braces give complete control to the orthodontist. He can manipulate the treatment plan as he sees fit. With Invisalign, the computers control everything from time to outcome and even the number of required molds.
2. The cost of clear braces in Smithtown is significantly less in direct comparison with Invisalign.

So while Invisalign may seem the obvious choice, don’t count out clear braces as they have their advantages.

Clear Braces Vs. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are a relatively new invention. These are attached to the inside rather than the outside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible to anyone looking directly at you. They are a fixed type of braces, so they can be a bit uncomfortable, just like clear and metal braces. They can also irritate the tongue as it scrapes against them constantly. Finally, they cost way more than any other type of braces. So think about all that when comparing Lingual braces to clear braces in Smithtown.

Drawbacks Of Clear Braces

No type of braces is all good or all bad. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. For clear braces, these disadvantages include:

• The brackets are similar in design to metal brackets. They can cause irritation, cuts, and scraping against the lips and cheeks. The ceramic material is smoother than the metal brackets. Cutting and scraping are somewhat more minor but still can cause some discomfort.
• The pulling action of the wires and elastics further adds to the discomfort, especially in the first few weeks.
• Although they cost less than Invisalign and lingual braces, they cost slightly more than metal braces. Some people may see that only the improved appearance does not warrant a price increase.
• Compared to Invisalign, treatment with clear braces can be lengthy.
• Teeth cleaning is complicated with clear braces, especially flossing. While the brush can work normally, the floss cannot pass easily between the teeth. Floss must be threaded above or below the archwire. It is an unfortunate side effect of clear braces – and other fixed types – that you would suffer some gum inflammation during treatment.

So, in simpler terms, Clear braces have the same drawbacks as metal braces in terms of discomfort and difficulty of cleaning, but with an improved appearance.

Are Clear Braces a Good Choice For Me?

If you are looking for a reliable option that is better looking than metal braces, consider clear braces in Smithtown. However, if comfort and keeping your mouth clean are your main concerns, consider Invisalign as it solves all those problems.

Where Can I Find The Best Provider Of Clear Braces In Smithtown?

If you live in or around NY, you won’t find a better orthodontist than Dr. Smith. Dr. Craig Smith and his incredible team at North Shore orthodontics are just around the corner at 180 East Main Street, Suite 200, Smithtown, NY 11787. He and his team are dedicated to one sole purpose, and that is giving you a great smile at an affordable cost. Give us a call on (631) 265-3435.