Clear Braces

An anterior crossbite is a condition where the upper teeth sit inside the lower ones, preventing the chewing surfaces from meeting properly. This can cause problems with chewing and swallowing and may also affect the appearance of the smile. An anterior crossbite can result from jaw growth issues, malocclusion, or oral habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged bottle use. If left untreated, it can lead to oral hygiene difficulties, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

One of the main benefits of clear braces is their discreet appearance. Made from transparent, high-quality materials, they allow patients to smile, speak, and go about their daily lives confidently, continuing their routines with complete ease and comfort.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, clear braces offer greater comfort than traditional fixed braces: the absence of wires or metal brackets prevents irritation to the gums, cheeks, and lips.

The ability to remove the aligners during meals and for daily oral hygiene is another major advantage. Patients no longer have to deal with the typical restrictions of fixed braces and can easily maintain thorough cleaning of their teeth and gums. It is much easier to brush, floss, and ensure effective hygiene, avoiding the buildup of food debris that often occurs with traditional braces.

Several studies have shown that patients using removable clear braces maintain a lower plaque index and healthier gums compared to those wearing fixed braces, where brackets and wires tend to trap debris and require more complex cleaning routines. This benefit, however, requires consistent commitment and adherence to the dentist’s instructions, as the dentist monitors progress and periodically replaces the aligners to ensure effective treatment and long-term oral health.

Finally, digital treatment planning represents one of the most innovative aspects of clear braces. Thanks to 3D scanners, virtual models, and computer simulations, it is possible to predict tooth movements with remarkable precision and preview the final result in advance. This allows for a fully personalized treatment plan for each patient, with clear timelines and defined stages, ensuring a predictable outcome and a transparent, reassuring process for the patient.

Let me share the story of one of our patients. At the start of her treatment, she was very enthusiastic, but even though we had provided detailed written guidelines and carefully explained how the process works, she didn’t fully follow the instructions during the first few days. Worried that she wouldn’t be able to eat properly, she kept the aligner in during meals and didn’t remove it for proper oral hygiene. This caused discomfort, gum bleeding, and food residue between her teeth.

When she reached out to us, our team explained that the aligners should be removed only for eating and oral hygiene, and then put back in immediately afterward. It’s perfectly normal to feel some discomfort in the first few days, as the teeth start to move. We advised her to temporarily wear the previous set to relieve her gums and then continue with the new one.

Thanks to the explanations she received, the written guidelines provided from the very beginning, and the clinic’s ongoing support, she began following the instructions correctly: she wore the aligners for the recommended time, regained confidence in removing and reinserting them, and noticed a clear reduction in bleeding and discomfort.

By continuing her treatment as instructed, she is now achieving the results she hoped for, fully aware that working closely with the dental team and following the guidelines consistently are essential to achieving a harmonious, healthy, and long-lasting smile.