The traditional and very reliable metal braces. Nowadays you have plenty of options for your orthodontic treatment. With clear braces and Invisalign being talked about everywhere you look, you’ve probably heard about these treatments.
The champlain Orthodontics team will share two of the most common options to traditional braces for teens and adults alike.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are a very popular go-to alternative for many of our patients in Williston and St. Albans. Able to correct a variety of bite issues, this modern and sleek appliance is just as powerful and effective as metal braces — albeit less noticeable due to the use of ceramic for the brackets.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Braces?
Discreet: Clear braces feature tooth-colored brackets and elastics. They camouflage with your teeth to deliver a less noticeable appearance. Because of this, Dr. Eaton often recommends clear braces to teenagers and adults.
Plus, this treatment option gives you a huge confidence boost when socializing or smiling. However, be sure to minimize your consumption of colored drinks to avoid discoloration and staining.
Comfortable: Clear braces don’t have the traditional metal parts that can cause discomfort to the inside of your mouth. The appliance’s clear brackets and wire are molded into smoother edges, promoting maximum comfort and an irritation-free experience throughout your orthodontic treatment.
How to Get Started With Clear Braces Treatment
Initial Consultation: You’ll first schedule a free initial consultation with Dr. Eaton and the rest of the Champlain Orthodontics team.
During your visit, we’ll show you around our office and capture digital photographs of your smile. We may also perform a cephalometric or panoramic x-ray for a more holistic assessment of your teeth and jaw.
Your family history, medical history, needs, and treatment goals will also be taken into account. From there, we can determine if clear braces are the perfect treatment for you.
Same-Day Treatment: If you’re a good fit for clear braces, you may begin treatment on the same day as your initial consultation. After a general cleaning of your teeth, we’ll carefully glue the ceramic brackets on each tooth with a special adhesive.
Then we’ll thread the tooth-colored wire through the brackets and secure it with a transparent elastic ligature.
Braces Adjustment: Adjustments are needed every four to six weeks. During these visits, we’ll assess your smile and the overall progress of your treatment.
Invisalign
Clear aligners are not clear braces. They’re a set of plastic trays that are worn over your teeth to correct mild to moderate bite issues. Invisalign, on the other hand, is a clear aligner brand known for its special thermoplastic material called SmartTrack.
Like clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners are also popular in our clinic. Sleek and modern, Invisalign boasts the right balance of style, comfort, and discreetness for anyone.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Near-Invisible: With no brackets, wires, or ligatures, Invisalign clear aligners are the most discreet treatment option. Because of their near-transparent appearance, they are almost undetectable when you flash a smile.
Removable: Braces are affixed to your teeth and, therefore, require extra care when brushing or eating. With Invisalign, you can take them off and put them back on after every meal. You’ll also need to remove them to brush and floss and clean them separately. We strongly discourage you from eating or drinking sugary beverages with your Invisalign clear aligner trays.
Safe: Invisalign’s SmartTrack material is free of harmful chemicals, so they’re safe to put in your mouth.
Tailor-Fit: Unlike direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners, Invisalign is designed to fit your teeth. As a leading provider of Invisalign, Dr. Eaton and her smile team will make sure that your clear aligners are comfortable to wear.
How to Get Started With Clear Braces Treatment
Initial Consultation: In addition to your medical history, Dr. Eaton and her team will consider your age and the severity of your bite problem. While children can wear Invisalign, we want to make sure that you accept all the responsibilities that come with maintaining your clear aligners.
Scanning: We’ll capture a 3D impression of your smile to be used as a “mold” for your Invisalign clear aligner trays. No gooey impressions needed here!
Wearing Your Invisalign: Invisalign aligners also exert gentle pressure that subsides within days. You will replace your current clear aligner set every week. The progress is subtle, but you’ll notice changes to your smile within weeks of treatment.
Regular Appointments: We recommend checking in at our Williston or St. Albans office every six to ten weeks to see if your Invisalign treatment is going according to plan.
Clear Braces or Invisalign? We’ll Help You Choose
With our cutting-edge clear braces and Invisalign aligners, a straighter smile is within your grasp. Not sure if you’re eligible for either treatment? Complete our online appointment form or reach out to our Williston or St. Albans office, and Dr. Eaton will take care of the rest.