Clear Braces Columbia, MD

Clear Braces: An Overview

For our patients seeking extensive orthodontic treatment, our office is happy to provide clear braces as a cosmetic dentistry solution. Clear braces are the perfect choice for patients needing orthodontic care but also want to maintain the natural aesthetics of their smiles.

Additionally, patients seeking Invisalign treatment who have been determined to be not a good candidate are typically recommended clear braces as an alternative. Our Columbia Family Dentist office can provide you with clear braces along with all of our other dental services.

As your trusted dentist in Columbia, Maryland, we aim to be your one-stop shop for dental care and provide you with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services all under one roof.

Clear Braces in Columbia, MD

Clear Braces in Columbia, MD

We apply clear brackets to your teeth using orthodontic glue. We use ultraviolet light to the glue to secure it to the surface of your teeth. The dentist runs the wire through the brackets by wrapping a small rubber band around each bracket to hold the wire in place.

You may experience some discomfort after the initial application of the braces. Your cheeks, lips, and gums must adjust to them. Contact our office if this discomfort persists for more than a few days.

Just as with conventional metal braces, we attach clear brackets to each tooth and then connect them with a wire. Your dentist will tighten the wire after each visit to apply pressure to your teeth and encourage them to shift into a straighter position. Patients may experience some slight discomfort immediately following a tightening appointment, though this discomfort will go away in 1-2 days.

Clear braces may also benefit patients who forget to use their Invisalign retainers regularly. Because we secure clear braces to your teeth, the treatment requires little effort from the patient to ensure success.

Clear Braces FAQs

Do clear braces take longer to align my teeth?

Clear braces take at least a year to straighten misaligned teeth. In some cases, metal braces may work quicker than clear braces because the material they are made of is stronger. However, the difference is usually a very short period of time. The amount of time is short enough that most patients consider it to be negligible if they are concerned with cosmetics and the appearance of metal braces.

Do clear braces turn yellow after a while?

Clear braces may become stained over time based on the diet of the patient undergoing treatment. White ceramic brackets do not stain. However, the bands that bond wires to the brackets may become stained from deeply colored foods and drinks. Luckily we change the bands periodically, so you don’t have stained bands throughout the whole length of your treatment.

Do clear braces break easily?

One downside of clear braces is they are not as strong as metal braces, so that they may break easier. Patients with clear braces must be more careful with their diet and may have more restrictions than those with metal braces.

Schedule A Dental Exam at our Cosmetic Dentist Office in Columbia, MD

Looking for an experienced dentist in Columbia, MD that provides orthodontic services? Look no further than Columbia Family Dentist. If you are interested in learning more about if clear braces are right for you, schedule an appointment today.