Clear Braces in Rock Hill

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How Do Clear Braces Work?

Clear Braces

Orthodontics is the discipline of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth or an ‘out-of-whack’ jaw position. The majority of us have experienced the traditional metal and wire braces that were formerly considered a prerequisite for graduating from high school; however, removable, transparent aligners now make it feasible to straighten your teeth without the use of metal braces.

A Brief Overview of ClearCorrect

We are a ClearCorrect provider, which straightens teeth via the use of a set of clear, custom-made, removable aligners. Our patients have a high rate of success with this removable orthodontic appliance. If you’d like to find out if you’re a candidate for ClearCorrect, call us at (803) 328-3886 to schedule an appointment.

Beyond A Brighter Smile

There is more to “braces” than simply achieving a uniformly spaced smile!

Because crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean, they are more prone to collecting gummy bear and hot cheetos pieces, which are the basic components for decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite places additional strain on the chewing muscles, which can result in headaches and TMJ disorders, and possibly some neck/shoulder/back pain. Before you know it, you’re unable to get out of bed and popping Motrin like M&M’s. Finally, teeth that are not in proper “occlusion” are more prone to wear and chipping.

Whether you were born with or developed an overbite (a.k.a. “buck teeth”), an underbite (a.k.a. “bulldog teeth”), a crossbite (upper teeth do not come down in front of lowers when biting normally), an open bite (space between uppers and lowers when back teeth bite together), a misplaced midline (the center of your upper front teeth do not line up with the center of your lower front teeth), or have spaces, Piedmont Dental is here to help.

Appliances for Orthodontics

Appliances can be fixed or detachable, depending on whether the purpose is to reposition teeth, retrain muscles, or influence jaw growth. Appliances that are fixed cannot be removed by the patient. A dentist places and eventually removes them. Detachable appliances, as the name implies, are just that: removable.

Appliances that cannot be removed

The most common fixed appliances are classic braces, which secure teeth with bands and brackets and then apply tension to the wires connecting the bands and brackets at regular intervals. Teeth are adjusted into the desired position over time.

Appliances That Can Be Removed

adult putting in clear braces into mouth

Clear, custom aligners are an excellent solution for individuals who do not want metal wires and brackets. They are almost imperceptible and are removed solely for eating, brushing, and flossing. Rather than tightening wires to reposition teeth, each tray is replaced every three to four weeks with one that comes closer to the final position. Teeth are adjusted into the desired position over time. Retainers are used following the end of ‘active’ orthodontic treatment to assist in maintaining teeth in their improved positions while the surrounding bone recovers. While teeth can remain aligned without regular retention, as we age, teeth wander, and hence a night-time retainer is necessary. In reality, the majority of adult dental patients will require lifetime retention.

Orthodontics Isn't Just for Children?

Sure. Teens and young adults frequently use braces. However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no maximum age restriction for orthodontic treatment.

Indeed, we are seeing an increasing number of adult patients seek treatment, either because they did not receive orthodontic treatment as children or because the natural process of aging and tooth shifting has resulted in ugly crowding.

If you’re interested in correcting an overbite (or any other crowding or misalignment), call (803) 328-3886 or contact us to schedule an evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for ClearCorrect.