What Are Clear Braces?

Whether your teeth are mildly crowded or extremely crooked, having a malocclusion can be… well, embarrassing.

When thinking about options for straightening your teeth, the usual go-to is metal braces. But will choosing an orthodontic option that draws even more attention to your mouth increase your embarrassment?

If the answer is yes, you may be searching for an alternative to traditional orthodontic options.

As you look to avoid self-consciousness, you might research other types of treatment that conceal your orthodontic appliances, and maybe you’ve encountered an alternative for straightening your smile – clear braces.

If you’re wondering, “What are clear braces?” you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re going to introduce you to two types of clear braces and the explain the difference between these treatments.

Keep on reading to discover how to correct your malocclusion and minimise awkwardness, as you straighten your teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

What are clear braces? Meet fixed orthodontic appliances

If you ask, “What are clear braces?” to dentists or orthodontists, they might explain that clear braces are a type of fixed orthodontic appliance.

While fixed orthodontic appliances sounds like a complicated word, it’s just another way to say metal braces.

Traditional metal braces have metal brackets attached to your teeth as well as metal archwires.

But, for clear braces, Healthfully notes that you can get “clear plastic brackets.”

However, fixed orthodontic appliances aren’t the only type of clear braces available…

What are clear braces? Meet Invisalign

There’s another, equally correct answer to your question, ”What are clear braces?”

The answer is Invisalign.

Invisalign is a transparent orthodontic treatment that transforms crooked teeth into a straight smile.

Instead of using brackets and archwires, Invisalign’s aligners are made of clear plastic. Customised for the shape of your teeth, they gradually move your teeth into a proper position.

What’s the difference? Invisalign vs. clear fixed orthodontic appliances

Clear fixed orthodontic appliances and Invisalign have similarities. Both are clear braces, and both have the goal of straightening your teeth discretely.

However, they also have several key differences, such as:

• Appearance. With clear fixed orthodontic appliances, you’re still wearing brackets and archwires that protrude from your teeth and call attention to your treatment. In contrast, Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners fit smoothly over your smile, creating a smooth, transparent surface that conceals your orthodontic treatment.
• Convenience. Just because your metal braces have transparent brackets doesn’t mean you’ve increased your convenience. Wearing fixed orthodontic appliances – whether clear or traditional –means avoiding foods that can damage your braces and carefully cleaning your teeth. However, with Invisalign, simply remove your clear braces to enjoy all foods without hesitation or easily brush and floss.
• Cleanliness. With metal braces, it’s inevitable – food will become stuck in your orthodontic treatment. It’s not a pleasant sight, especially if you’re attending an important event. However, with Invisalign, you’ll remove your clear braces to avoid any worries of salad greens, bread, or other foods clinging to your smile.

Asking “What are clear braces?” is important as it will help you pinpoint the treatment that’s best for you.

However, you’ll need to recognise that not all clear braces are equal. There’s a big difference between Invisalign and metal braces.

With Invisalign, you’ll experience the benefits of discretely straightening your teeth, plus the advantages of convenience, simplicity and ease.

To get started with Invisalign, find your nearest MiSmile provider, and take the first step toward clear braces when you schedule a free consultation .