Do you want to straighten crooked teeth? Are you looking for a comfortable alternative to metal braces?
Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe are SureSmile® providers in Media, PA. Both of these clear aligner systems gradually shift and reposition the teeth for a healthier bite and a straighter smile.
Our dentists in Media, PA are highly trained and experienced in the use of cosmetic dental treatments to improve the appearance and health of your smile. We will evaluate your dental health needs and discuss your cosmetic goals during an initial consultation to determine if these orthodontic treatment options are suitable for your needs. Clear braces are one of the cosmetic dentistry services we provide to the public in Media, Pennsylvania.
Are clear aligners right for me?
SureSmile® can successfully treat a range of mild to moderate concerns in children, teens, and adults. Older patients can particularly benefit from the discreet nature of clear aligners.
Dr. Hillyard or Dr. Monroe will meet with you to perform an exam and use digital diagnostics as needed to evaluate your bite and the position of your teeth. Both treatment options can address bite problems and cosmetic concerns, with SureSmile® being more suitable for patients with minor orthodontic needs.
We recommend SureSmile® for most common orthodontic problems including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Openbite
- Crowding of teeth
- Gaps between teeth
For patients with more severe malocclusion or structural concerns, more traditional orthodontic treatment options may be recommended.
Benefits of Clear Braces
SureSmile® offers multiple benefits for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns and those who want to straighten crooked teeth.
The benefits of clear braces includes:
- Are removable for eating drinking brushing and flossing
- Are virtually invisible
- Require less dental visits
- Do not cause damage to the teeth, enamel, or gum tissue
- Offer quicker treatment than traditional braces
Contact Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe if you would like to try clear aligners to straighten your teeth. They aim to provide compassionate and comfortable solutions for patients of all ages.
Clear Braces FAQs
Discover more about treatment with clear braces in Media, PA, with answers to these popular questions:
Are clear braces effective?
Yes. Clear braces are effective at straightening teeth. They have the same traction mechanism as conventional metal braces. Therefore, they essentially work in the same way. They are just as effective as traditional braces for all orthodontic issues. They only differ in the aesthetic aspect. Clear braces are the color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than conventional metal brackets.
Am I a candidate for clear braces?
You might be a good candidate for clear braces if you want to straighten your teeth without noticeable metal braces. Clear braces work well for most people, especially if you have crooked teeth, gaps, or bite issues like an overbite or underbite. We will check your teeth and let you know if clear braces are the right choice for you. Our office will consider how much your teeth need to move and whether clear braces can help fix your smile.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Yes, but only for the first few days each time the patient wears a new tray. All orthodontic treatments will come with some type of discomfort. This is due to the movements that teeth need to make to achieve the desired goal. However, they tend to cause less discomfort than conventional braces because they lack metal brackets and sharp edges.
Do clear braces stain?
No. Clear braces are brackets made of ceramics, which is a stain-proof material. This is due to its non-porous surface that doesn’t allow any pigments to get into its structure. On the other hand, the clear elastic ties that secure the wire to the clear brackets are made of plastic and can easily stain over time.
How long do teeth hurt with clear aligners?
The teeth can hurt for as long as the orthodontic treatment goes. However, the patient will only feel that pain in the first three to four days after wearing a new tray. After that, it will just be a slight discomfort that will start to fade until they don’t hurt at all.
What happens after my clear braces are removed?
After your clear braces are removed, your teeth will be straight, but you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep them in place. The retainer helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. We will tell you how often and how long to wear the retainer. Follow these instructions so your new smile stays straight. You might need to wear the retainer full-time at first, but eventually, it could just be at night.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Ready to learn more about alternatives to traditional braces for your orthodontic needs? Schedule a consultation in our Media, PA dental office with one of our experienced dentists.