Clear Braces Media, PA

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 ClearCorrect® and Invisalign® 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.

Invisalign Media, PA

Are clear aligners right for me?

Invisalign and ClearCorrect 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 ClearCorrect being more suitable for patients with minor orthodontic needs.

We recommend Invisalign 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

ClearCorrect and Invisalign offer 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.

ClearCorrect

Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe will give ClearCorrect will use the information we give them make a 3-D model of your teeth that will be used to create your personalized aligner trays. While your aligners are being manufactured, you will be provided with “phase zero” passive aligners.

These aligners will not move your teeth but are designed to help you acclimate to wearing clear braces. ClearCorrect will send each set of your customized aligners directly to our office as well as a model to replace lost or damaged aligners.

During ClearCorrect treatment, we will ask you to return to our office every few weeks for a new set of aligner trays. Each set will gently move your teeth closer to their optimal position. However, they must be worn at all times to complete your treatment in a timely manner. ClearCorrect should only be removed for eating and teeth cleaning, allowing each set of aligners to quickly and effectively move your teeth.

Invisalign

The Invisalign process starts with an evaluation and discussion of your dental concerns and aesthetic goals. An exam will identify the problems impacting the structure and function of your bite as well as any cosmetic issues that can be corrected with short-term orthodontics. Our dentists will use dental impressions to design your unique aligners that will reposition your teeth over a period of months.

The number of aligners you will receive and the length of your treatment is dependent upon the severity of your dental concerns and cosmetic goals. Most patients complete treatment in about 12-15 months.

Once your aligners are ready for use we will go over how to place them and when they should be changed to a new set. You will receive a new tray every two weeks to continue changing your teeth position. During treatment, you should keep the aligners in place for 22 hours each day, removing only for eating and oral hygiene.

Periodic visits will be scheduled for assessing your progress and you can also come in for routine dental exams and cleanings to keep the teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

FAQs

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 the conventional metal brackets.

Which is better: clear braces or Invisalign?

It will depend on the patient and their particular dental case. Some of the benefits of using Invisalign over braces are that they’re removable, easier to clean, and there are no food restrictions. However, clear braces function better for more complex cases. Overall, many patients will feel that Invisalign is better because it is less noticeable than clear braces.

Do clear braces work faster than Invisalign?

In general, orthodontic treatments using Invisalign finish faster than clear or conventional braces. On average, Invisalign might take from 6 to 20 months to culminate. On the contrary, traditional braces may take anywhere from 18 to 36 months, or even more, depending on the case. However, the complexity of the dental cases can affect the treatment time.

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.

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.