Removable Braces for Teeth
When a Board Certified orthodontist practice like Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula recommends braces for a patient during a consultation, the first thing that usually comes to mind for the person is how they will look wearing braces while they are undergoing treatment.
While it is often older teens and adults that may feel some initial apprehension, older children may also view braces as an obstacle to confidence and self-esteem due to their appearance.
However, the field of orthodontics is constantly growing and advancing technologically. One of the newest innovations is removable braces for teeth.
Most people have come to know them as Invisalign, a system that specializes in giving patients an improved smile using invisible aligners. When new patients search for “clear braces Temecula,” they are typically looking for Invisalign or ceramic braces, which are both offered by the best orthodontist Temecula valley has to offer, Burke & Redford Orthodontists.
What are Aligners?
Aligners are removable appliances the patient may take out of their mouth at will. In the case of Invisalign, the aligners used are designed and manufactured using revolutionary 3D technology. Aligners are custom made from a thermoplastic material for each unique set of teeth.
For this appliance to work effectively, an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan must first be done by an experienced orthodontist. Once a customized plan is in place and the clear aligners manufactured according to this plan, the patient needs to wear the aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day, only taking them out for eating or brushing.
As the teeth shift and straighten, new aligners are changed by the patient every one-to-two weeks as the teeth gradually move into the proper position.
The length of treatment is different for everyone and determined on a case-by-case basis. Severely crowded teeth take longer to correct than mildly crooked teeth. A patient that wears their aligners more consistently and as prescribed by the orthodontist will progress faster than those who don’t. Additionally, some people’s teeth naturally move faster or slower than others. Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke design Invisalign treatment plans to be as efficient as possible for each individual patient.
Due to it being nearly invisible, user friendly, and versatile, Invisalign is a system that is becoming an increasingly popular option. To date, millions of people worldwide have been treated by orthodontists using this clear aligner system.
What are the Benefits of Removable Braces?
Many adolescents are interested in removable braces for teens due to their more discreet appearance and ability to be removed.
Some notable advantages of clear aligners (Invisalign) are listed below:
- They can be taken out with ease for brushing, flossing, and eating.
- Because of their removability, no food is off limits during treatment.
- They are discreet and, in many cases, barely noticeable.
- Because of their subtle appearance, patients may experience increased self-confidence while wearing these aligners.
- In mild cases or where only limited movement of teeth is desired, Invisalign aligners can treat a case faster than other treatment options.
- Overall, aligners are exceptionally easy to wear. The transparent trays can be taken out at a moment’s notice, then replaced just as quickly.
Whether it is for the cosmetic benefits or the straightforward, user friendly experience that comes with removable braces for adults or teens, many people are drawn to choosing Invisalign over more traditional options.
How Do Fixed Braces Compare?
While Invisalign is a fantastic option for many of the patients at Burke & Redford Orthodontists, it is important for our doctors to expertly evaluate each patient and determine what is best for their specific situation and diagnosis.
Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke offer several fixed braces options for patients. However, it is important to distinguish how fixed braces and removable braces compare.
Minor vs. Major Oral Issues
There are several directions individual teeth may need to be moved to successfully treat an orthodontic case. Fixed braces are adept at moving teeth in any direction. Removable braces, on the other hand, may have limitations in moving teeth in certain directions.
Issues that are relatively minor and easy to correct are often best suited for removable braces, such as the Invisalign system. Invisible braces work well for mild crowding, small gaps between teeth, and mild open bites.
Conversely, more severe issues such as significant crowding, crossbites, large jaw mismatches (overbites, underbites), and deep bites are often best treated with fixed braces.
Every case is unique, and Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke have several methods for successfully correcting severe cases, even with clear aligner systems like Invisalign.
Appearance
Invisalign’s most appealing aspect is its appearance. Some people may not even realize a person is wearing them.
While there are fixed braces that may be easily seen due to the metal brackets and wires, there are other fixed braces available that are either clear or tooth colored. Nowadays, there are also white-coated wires that can be used in conjunction with ceramic fixed braces.
Level of Effort
The versatility of being able to take out removable braces at any time is very appealing. However, it should be remembered that because they are so easily removed, it takes diligence and discipline to wear them the advised 20-22 hours per day. Therefore, it is not accurate to refer to them as temporary braces as some people have done in the past. If clear aligners are not worn consistently, treatment time may be prolonged considerably, and treatment results will be compromised.
On the other hand, fixed braces cannot be removed. Although greater effort may be required to keep the teeth clean and healthy, fixed braces work around the clock to straighten teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Like Invisalign, ceramic braces are considerably less noticeable than metal braces. Also referred to as clear braces, ceramic braces are clear, or you can choose different colors if you would like. Tooth-colored options are popular not only with adults, but also with older adolescents.
Some of the more notable benefits of ceramic braces are:
- Ceramic braces are unobtrusive and less obvious to the naked eye than metal braces.
- The clear braces used at Burke & Redford Orthodontists are self-ligating, which allows them to be easily and quickly adjusted. This means less time is spent in the orthodontist’s office.
- They are very precise, giving the orthodontist the potential to move teeth exactly how they want in any direction. This gives the doctor the ability to achieve the best possible result.
Damon Braces System
The Damon braces system is one type of bracket that utilizes self-ligating technology. Without the need for elastic ties around each bracket, Damon braces and other self-ligating systems hold the archwire in place with the brackets themselves. These brackets feature a door mechanism that secures the wire to the brackets as the teeth straighten and shift.
Although the Damon system does come in metal, there are also clear Damon braces for those that would rather have an inconspicuous option for treatment.
Metal Braces
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, metal braces have long been used with a self-ligating system. As mentioned previously, self-ligation makes for quicker and easier adjustment appointments. It also allows for longer intervals between adjustments. This can mean fewer overall appointments to achieve a great result.
Although traditional metal braces are more clearly seen by others, their effectiveness and reliability are fantastic. Some patients, especially kids, prefer their appearance and like the ability to decorate their braces with fun colors.
If you would like to see if fixed or removable braces are right for you, please give Burke & Redford Orthodontists a call at (951) 699-8011. We offer free consultations to new patients at both offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, CA.