5 Reasons People Don't Choose Clear Braces - And Why They're Wrong

Although there are a couple of genuine reasons why people decide against having clear braces to correct misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, underbites, overbites and gaps, there are also many reasons given by people which are completely wrong. In this article we're going to be looking at five of those common misconceptions about what clear braces really are, what they can achieve, and problems which simply aren't actually problems. It is hoped that by addressing some of these common misunderstandings those who may be interested in wearing clear aligners for teeth alignment will at least be able to look beyond the initial concerns which people share.

1. Clear braces are only for minor corrections.
It is surprising just how many people believe that this is the case, but in fact it's a completely wrong assumption. Although there are some cases which require far more correction than clear aligners could provide, this is almost always going to be the case whichever type of brace you wear. Although there will be cases where the gap between the teeth is too large, or the overlapping too great, these are rare, and could no more be dealt with by clear braces than by wire ones. The dentist may suggest removing teeth, filing teeth or fitting bridges, although even in these cases clear aligners may still be suitable after the initial work has been done.

2. Clear braces take longer than sprung wire braces.
Not only is this wrong, it couldn't very well be more wrong! On average clear aligners take around half the time needed by traditional metal wire braces. In some cases the treatment may only take around six months, with most patients able to remove their braces after a year. In more exceptional cases eighteen months may be needed, but when you compare this to the two to three years on average needed by wire braces, it's clear that clear aligners offer a real advantage here.

3. Clear braces feel more awkward as they cover the whole tooth.
If you ask anyone wearing a wire brace how comfortable it feels you'll usually get a mouthful of moaning. Wire braces are large, clumsy and can often dig into the gums. Clear braces are made using computer aided design to provide an exact, perfect fit for your teeth, The braces themselves are only around the thickness of your nail, which means that for most people it's only a matter of a few days before they start to forget they even have them in. In terms of comfort, clear aligners are a clear winner, but that's not just according to the dentists - that's the overwhelming answer from those who have worn them.

4. Clear braces are more prone to falling out unexpectedly.
Clear braces are manufactured using CAD, Computer Aided Design. The measurements are incredibly precise, and after just two weeks you're handed a new set of braces which are very slightly different, helping to continually nudge your teeth in the right direction. This constant renewal of braces which have been made using the very latest digital technology means that there is no way your brace can accidentally slip out. The brace remains firmly in place, although should you wish to remove it at any time it's a very simple and easy task, unlike with wire braces which may be impossible to remove anyway.

5. Clear braces are no less obvious than normal braces.
Another word for 'clear' braces is 'invisible' braces. But you won't find the phrase 'invisible braces' on any advertising literature. It's clearly not possible to advertise something as invisible unless you're selling air. The word 'invisible' has been widely used by those who have actually worn them. Metal braces are very obvious - there's simply no way of disguising them. Clear braces are very hard to spot because they're made of a virtually invisible transparent gel the thickness of your nail. Unless you know what you're looking for, it's very unlikely anyone will spot them. How many people did you see today wearing them? Precisely.