The rise to popularity of clear braces started initially because of the way metal or traditional dental braces look and feel. Patients have so many complaints about the appearance and discomfort that they feel when they use metal braces that orthodontists and other dental manufacturers found a way to improve this orthodontic procedure’s aesthetics. This is where clear braces enter the picture. By definition, the term clear braces may be used to describe two things – ceramic braces and dental aligners like Invisalign, Clear Correct and more. For the sake of clarity, let us focus our attention on the benefits and disadvantages of clear dental aligners. It is also advisable and recommended by different aligner manufacturers to read the reviews first before buying their clear braces.
Clear braces review: The praises
Clear dental aligners, when compared to metal braces seem to be better in more aspects than just the appearance. Here are some reviews and feedback that patients are claiming when they switch from traditional braces to these clear braces.
It is almost invisible. There are now many manufacturers of clear dental aligners all over the world, but a thing that is similar to all of them is their look. They are made with a high-grade thermoplastic material that is clear and transparent, molded to fit your teeth and gradually move them to correct their position. Compared to metal braces, clear braces like Invisalign and the others really look unnoticeable because they fit the size and look of your teeth.
It is removable. Unlike dental braces that are using the wire-and-bracket system that is attached to your teeth, aligners are removable and should be worn for at least 22 hours a day. This means that you have a few hours to remove it so you can eat and drink your favorite meals and drinks, as well as brush and clean your teeth hassle-free.
It is comfortable to wear. Because the aligners fit the teeth like a glove, and the edges are smooth, no nicks and cuts on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, and lips were ever reported in any of the clear braces reviews. It may take a couple of days to fully adjust to the feel of wearing them, especially when it is your first time to use it or you are changing from a new set, but getting used to wearing them is definitely better than wearing the traditional braces non-stop.
Clear braces review: The downsides
When reading the earlier mentioned comments, you would think that there are no negative clear braces reviews? Unfortunately, there are some comments that both dentists and patients notice about these orthodontic procedures. Here are some of the notable ones.
They are more expensive. It is a given that the cost of an orthodontic, or any dental procedure for that matter, would rely deeply on the cost. With this in mind, you can expect that clear braces would cost more than the traditional ones. We can estimate the price range difference at approximately $1000 to $3000.
They break easily. Because metal is much more durable and stronger than plastic, chances of breaking or damaging your aligners if you treat them the same way as your traditional braces are high. This is the main reason why aligners should be removed when eating, as the chewing and biting force that we present to our aligners may actually shatter them.
They are not for all types of teeth alignment problems. Because of the earlier mentioned comment about how fragile clear aligners are compared to metal braces, clear braces reviews also mentioned that these invisible orthodontic appliances can only be satisfactorily used for mild to moderate malocclusion. So if your dentist offers all orthodontic procedures from traditional braces to the latest model of clear braces, expect him to recommend using metal braces on your if you have severe crookedness of the teeth.
