As a specialist orthodontic centre, we see people from all walks of life who are ready to wear clear braces or aligners to achieve the straighter smile they’ve always wanted. Patients are often drawn to clear aligners because they’re removable.

Clear braces can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning.

While this is a great benefit in terms of being able to eat what you want and clean your teeth as usual, we do always caution that clear aligners may be removable but, when you’re in the middle of your treatment, that doesn’t mean they’re optional! Clear aligners require a commitment from the wearer, and the extent to which your treatment is successful will depend on you wearing the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

What about for a special occasion?

“So I can take my aligners out for special occasions?” we’re often asked. Yes, you can, but it really must be a special occasion. Forget about taking your aligners out every time you attend a meeting, party, function, or date – that just won’t work; if you leave your aligners out for long periods on a regular basis your teeth may even drift back to their starting point, undoing all your hard work.

The only time your aligners should come out during your treatment is when you eat or drink anything that isn’t water, or when you brush and floss your teeth. Mealtimes and cleaning can quickly add up to one or two hours a day.

What are the benefits of clear braces?

We’re not saying this to put you off. Research shows that clear aligners have many benefits including better gum health and patient satisfaction than with fixed orthodontic appliances for many patients. It’s just incredibly important to go into treatment with your eyes open, and realise that you must be an active participant in completing your treatment plan.

What are my other braces options?

If you would prefer to have braces that are always there and don’t require any willpower to keep them in all day, then fixed braces may be more suitable for you. These days, there are some fantastic clear braces that are almost invisible and can address anything from simple alignment issues to far more complex cases. Some clear braces, such as Six Month Smiles, are fast acting as well as discreet.

Finding the right brace system for your needs to a partnership between you and your orthodontist. Your clear braces or aligners need to fit with your lifestyle and your mindset, as well as your teeth.

If you’re interested in clear braces in Manchester, give us a call at Heaton Mersey Orthodontic Centre on 0161 825 0214.