Do you wish you could obtain a straighter smile? Do you worry about how braces will impact your appearance? In addition to traditional orthodontics, there is another option for correcting misalignment. With ClearCorrect, we can offer a substantially less noticeable alternative. Which will work best for your smile, ClearCorrect or braces?
Should I Correct My Misalignment?
Many people assume that misalignment is a purely cosmetic concern, not an issue that impacts oral health. However, uneven teeth make brushing and flossing properly difficult and place strain on the jaw joints. The result is an increased risk of:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- TMJ disorder
- Bruxism
As a result, we advise those with crooked or crowded teeth to see a dental professional or an orthodontist to discuss possible treatment options.
Braces
One of the most common treatment options, braces can help correct mild to severe misalignment. The treatment involves the placement of metal brackets onto the front surface of the teeth. An arch wire will be used to connect the brackets. The dentist will adjust the arch wire, using tension to reposition the teeth to a more optimal placement. On average, treatment takes between a year-and-a-half to two years. Patients will also need to watch what they eat, as certain foods may become trapped in the orthodontics or even damage them.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect uses a series of clear plastic aligners to address misalignment. The patient wears the clear aligners every day for between 20 and 23 hours, upgrading to a new set about once every two weeks. Patients can remove the aligners before meals, which means they don’t need to change their diets. The entire treatment takes about a year for adults and up to 18 months for teens.
Who Qualifies for Clear Braces?
We recommend clear braces for patients over the age of 16 who have minor alignment issues. We will examine your smile to see if this is the best choice for correcting uneven teeth.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA COSMETIC DENTIST
Our Astoria, NY dentist office accepts most major insurance plans. To find out if we accept yours, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at (718) 728-8320. We welcome patients living in and around Queens, Astoria, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
