Removable braces bypass the uncomfortable permanence of metal braces to give you a much more enjoyable treatment experience. The ability to take your “braces” out whenever you want, such as to eat or play sports. This means that you will never be physically restricted by your treatment.
However, removable braces are not for everyone. They are typically more expensive than metal braces, less often covered by dental insurance policies, and cannot treat every dental issue. Continue reading to learn more about removable braces and whether they are the right treatment option for you.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What are Removable Braces?
Removable braces are not really braces since true braces connect an arch wire through metal brackets fastened on the fronts of a patient’s teeth. Instead, they are clear plastic trays that look a lot like retainers, which are used in succession to apply gradual pressure to the user’s teeth while the orthodontist tracks their progress.
Since the trays are made to track the progress of your smile, they will change accordingly. Therefore, the initial removable braces will not be the same mold as the last. It’s up to the patient to keep track of their schedule with their provider and make sure that they wear the right removable braces for the allotted time.
If you fall behind your schedule or break/lose one of your aligners, there’s no need to panic, but you also should let your provider know. Wearing aligners out of order or waiting to wear one until your next appointment could delay or even alter your treatment. The best thing to do is contact your orthodontist if something goes wrong so they can make you a new aligner, and get your treatment back on track.
When Do I Have to Wear My Aligner?
While being treated with removable braces, it’s important to wear them as often as possible. Your orthodontist will prescribe them for 22-24 hours per day, so you must wear them whenever you can, including while you eat and sleep.
If you take your aligner out and forget to put it back in, you can fall behind on the treatment. In the long run, this means longer treatment times, more office visits, and more money.
When Can I Take my Aligner Out?
Removable braces should be worn as often as possible. However, to prevent them from being damaged, they can be removed for short periods. Contact sports or outdoor activities like swimming and skiing make it necessary to take your aligner out until it’s safe to put it back in.
Your braces should also be taken out to be cleaned, which you should do after each meal. This entails removing the aligner, brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, rinsing it off, and putting it right back in.
Note that when you take your aligner out, you should never put it in your pocket or wrap it up in a tissue or paper towel. This can cause the aligner to be lost, damaged, or soiled. Keep the custom container that your aligners came in to keep them safe whenever you need to take them out.
Should I Get Removable Braces?
Removable braces have a few big advantages over metal ones. The biggest is that they are practically invisible, which means you don’t have to worry about metal brackets obscuring your smile at work or during picture day. You can also take them out to brush or play sports, giving patients freedom over their treatment that they don’t have with metal braces.
The price of removable braces varies with the length of treatment required and the patient’s insurance coverage. The treatment can be less or more expensive than metal braces, so it’s important to speak with your provider to learn how the prices compare in your situation.
Importantly, removable braces cannot correct the most severe misalignments, while metal braces can correct a wider range of dental issues. This means that before you set your sights on removable braces (or buy into a potentially dangerous third-party company that claims to sell removable braces at a discount), you should speak with a trained orthodontic professional about your individual treatment needs.
Just as no two smiles are alike, no treatment is equally effective for everyone.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.