Smile Makeover: Reinvent Your Smile

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt hopeless about your smile and all of its issues?

Many of us are not blessed with a perfect smile, but the good news is that there is no need to be disheartened anymore. Once the hallmark of famous stars, Smile Makeover is now easily accessible to each one of us. It is now possible to get that Hollywood smile with minimally invasive dental procedures in a couple of days at Divine Dental .

A smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as:

• Dental veneers
• Composite bonding
• Tooth implants
• Teeth whitening

Some of the components taken into consideration include your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and customized according to your unique considerations.

Which issues can my smile makeover address?

A smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation can target and fix nearly any cosmetic issue and most health issues affecting your smile and the way it looks or functions.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth? Some aspects of your smile that your cosmetic dentist will review with you and that could be improved include the following:

Tooth Color: Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-colored composite restorations, while teeth whitening can improve the color of stained or dulled teeth. Tooth color and shading are important considerations during the evaluation of and preparation for various procedures, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding and dental implants.

When considering the color of your teeth, keep in mind that dark or discolored teeth may suggest an aged mouth. A well-shaped smile comprised of bright, white teeth lends to a youthful appearance. The shade your dentist selects for teeth whitening and veneers is carefully evaluated with special consideration given to the tone and color of your face and hair. Cosmetic dentists are skilled at finding the right balance between providing you with a brighter, whiter smile and maintaining a natural tooth color. Discoloration of teeth and gums

 

Brown and yellow stains appear on teeth because of highly pigmented foods and substances like tea, cola, and tobacco. You can also get heavy tooth discoloration from certain medications or traumatic tooth injuries.

Damaged teeth

Your teeth might get chips or cracks from a distinct acute injury, like direct impact to the face. They can also gather damage when you bite down on solid objects, use your teeth in lieu of scissors, or grind your teeth at night.

Gum disease

Crooked teeth

Alignment and Spacing: Teeth that are crooked, overlapping or have gaps between them can be straightened and aligned when necessary through orthodontics or Invisalign and improved with veneers.

Missing Teeth: One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile – as well as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay – making replacement an integral part of oral health and facial esthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, bridges or partial dentures.

Harmony and Balance: Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded for an improved appearance, and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of the smile.

Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks: An unshapely or aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with certain procedures in the smile makeover category, including orthodontics and/or oral maxillofacial surgery.

Which treatments can I include in my smile makeover?

A cosmetic dentist will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your makeover.We start with a clinical evaluation of your teeth and gums followed by professional photographs and videos. Digital and 3D smile designing is done to give you the smile of your choice.
After reviewing your concerns, the team recommends a combination of these treatments and services:

 

• Gum contouring / grafting/Gum reshaping-Gum reshaping can improve a “gummy” smile in which teeth appear too short, or where the gum line appears uneven. A small amount of gum tissue — and excess bone tissue if necessary — is removed and contoured to expose more of the teeth. This procedure can be done to one tooth to even the gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broadsmile.

• Teeth whitening– who doesn’t like a bright smile? Whitening is a one-time procedure performed by a dentist. It is amongst the most common and widely adopted cosmetic procedure .. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth — as opposed to gray tones — respond best.At Divine Dental we use the Philips ZOOM WhiteSpeed, the #1 patient requested whitening brand. It relatively inexpensive and most effective way to enhance a faded smile in just an hour.

Laser gum depigmentation
‍

Color of gums play a crucial role in aesthetics of a smile. Normal color of a gum should be coral pink, but due to deposition of melanin gums appear to be darker. Several lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco, several medications or amalgam tattoo could also be the reason for darker gums. Gum depigmentation with the help of lasers is a minimally invasive procedure where the laser energy is used to peel off the gingival epithelium. Laser causes less bleeding, post opt complications like pain, swelling and infection are also less compared to surgical techniques.

Dental implants

one or more  Dental implants( titatium screw) are placed in the jawbone to replace one or more missing teeth. it is a fairly common procedure performed in our facility .

 

All-on-4, All-on-6, and All-on-8 dental implants

You can avail of All-on-4, All-on-5, and All-on-6 dental implant solutions at our centre.

It’s the more economical and practical method of putting back all your missing teeth without going the more expensive and painful route of giving every empty tooth socket its own dental implant and individual crown. The major differences of All-on-4, All-on-6, and All-on-8 dental implants are found right on the numbers on their names. They refer to the number of implants that will be strategically placed on the top and/or bottom jaws.

The More The Merrier: All-on 4 implants use 4 implants in each jaw , in order to connect 4 rows of dental bridges together. All-on-6 implants have an extra 2 implants to make the anchorage for the dental bridges to be tighter and more solid. Meanwhile, All-on-8 dental implants offer probably the maximum amount of implants needed for restructuring your mouth and filling in all the missing teeth.

Traditional dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are formed to your mouth and created by your dentists to replace lost or removed natural teeth. Dentures can either be full or partial, meaning they can either replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line, or just a few that are missing. Regardless of what kind of dentures you may need, they will be custom designed to fit your mouth, and visually matched to your existing teet

Overdentures –

Overdentures are an alternative that can be used if traditional dentures prove to be extremely uncomfortable or if you have a few natural teeth left. Overdentures are fitted over the roots of natural teeth and either rest on these or on dental implants, if there are no natural teeth to fit over. Some find this type of denture more comfortable and they are also easily removable.

• Crowns- A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that’s placed over a weak or damaged tooth to improve its shape, size, strength, or appearance. Most crowns last five to 15 years. We provide porcelain fused to ceramic,zirconia and all Ceramic or porcelain crowns for natural and lifelike appearance
• 

• Bridges. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap with one or more artificial (false) teeth. A bridge is typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth supporting the pontic (false tooth) and is cemented in place.They can be made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth
• 

Veneers

Veneers are thin covers that attach to the front surface of your teeth. While they don’t improve the way your teeth fit together or function, they make the frontal surfaces of your teeth look more attractive or similar to one another.

At Divine dental, the team customizes your veneers according to the original shape, size, and color of your teeth so they look as natural as possible. They use porcelain to make the veneers, which comes in a range of colors and has a very similar translucency to natural teeth.

Porcelain is also similar in strength and durability to your natural tooth enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth.

As long as you follow proper care instructions, porcelain veneers can last several years before you detect any wear-and-tear that might require a replacement.

How can veneers improve my smile?

Veneers mimic the natural characteristics of your teeth while eliminating the appearance of many of the most common types of cosmetic damage. Sometimes teeth break or wear down and still function just fine without the need for crowns or dental implants.

As long as you’re addressing issues with teeth in the front of your mouth and not your molars, you can use veneers to cover defects like:

• Minor cracks
• Minor chips
• Discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening
• Worn-down biting surfaces
• Minor twists or overlaps
• Small or short teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and maintain their white shades. However, it’s important to know that veneers aren’t a reversible treatment since your dentist must alter the structure of your natural teeth before attaching them.

If you’re interested in improving your smile’s beauty with high-end porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation at Divine Dental.

• Composite bonding– Among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures, bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, change the shape of teeth, or be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Inlays or onlays  

Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations, which means they are made outside your mouth in a laboratory. These restorations are typically used when a cavity is too large for a simple filling.Inlays and onlays are more resistant to fractures and damage than traditional cavity fillings and are Stain-resistant

Plaque and tartar removal– Scaling and root planing are otherwise known as deep cleaning in dentistry. The procedure gets rid of tartar (hardened minerals) that can adhere to your teeth. You may need these treatments if you have advanced gum disease.

Enamel Recontouring

‍Recontouring or reshaping is a procedure in which a small amount of tooth enamel is removed to change tooth’s length, shape or surface. It is usually done to improve the quality of smile. When there is fixing of small chips or slightly irregular tooth surface, enamel recontouring is preferred. It is also performed to make the bite even. This is the most conservative cosmetic treatment; the whole procedure is quite painless and shows an immediate result.

Braces-

Dental braces are devices used to correct crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, known as malocclusion. Braces are most often used during adolescence, but more and more adults are getting corrective dental braces later in life. Braces are made of metal or ceramic, wires, and bonding material that attaches them to your teeth. An orthodontist is a doctor who specializes in this kind of device and treatment for misaligned teeth.

• Invisible braces/clear aligners/invisilign- Clear Aligners are transparent trays made of special material which are used to straighten teeth just like braces. They use gentle and constant force to move the teeth in the required position without going through the hassles of metal wires and brackets. They are custom made for each patient through a digital scan.

Aesthetic Components of a Smile Makeover

In addition to the color, alignment and balance of your teeth in the aesthetic zone of your smile (the section of upper and lower teeth that show when you smile), there are several attributes of your teeth and smile that your cosmetic dentist will evaluate with you when planning your makeover. These include:

Tooth Length: Long teeth lend a youthful appearance. Aging produces wear and tear that often results in shorter teeth, and a gummy smile also can make teeth appear shorter. A treatment for shorter teeth may include reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with composite bonding or porcelain veneers. If you have a gummy smile, your cosmetic dentist may provide treatment to modify the gum line and lengthen the appearance of the teeth using laser dentistry procedures. You may also be referred to a periodontist for crown lengthening if necessary.

Teeth lengthening may also impact your overall facial appearance. For example, shapely, long, square teeth on a round-faced individual can provide a slimming effect.

Smile Line: The smile line is an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from side to side, which ideally should be the same as the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This standard point of reference may be used to help determine how long your new teeth should be.

Tooth Proportions: Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth to determine if they are in correct proportion with each other. Most people recognize a pleasing smile as one in which the two central front teeth are dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 4-to-5. This proportion guides the length and width of other teeth in the aesthetic zone so that the smile line appears balanced.

Tooth Texture and Characterization: An artistic dentist can characterize your crowns or veneers to create a more feminine or a more masculine appearance, in addition to matching the look and feel of natural teeth or those you’ve seen in photographs.

Maintaining Your Results

Cosmetic dentistry procedures require regular oral hygiene care and may require maintenance over time. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated on occasion in order to maintain brightness. Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and need replacement. Permanent composite bonding may stain and require enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require replacement after 10 to 15 years. Gummy smile improvements may also require enhancement over time.

Your ceramist, lab technician and the materials chosen by us also impact the longevity of your smile makeover.

Your oral health must be evaluated before we develop a plan for your smile makeover. Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, underlying support structure and bite (occlusion) to determine candidacy for a smile makeover. If your evaluation reveals that you have an oral health problem – such as a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or gum disease – you will need to have that taken care of first.

Preview

Cosmetic dentists incorporate a variety of dental technologies to show you the changes that you can expect to see in your smile. For example, during your oral health evaluation for veneers and crowns, your cosmetic dentist may create a wax model mockup of temporary teeth to accurately communicate the requirements of your procedure to the dental lab technician. Temporaries and wax mockups also offer you a preview of the expected outcome to ensure that you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

Other methods available for you to preview your smile makeover include the following:

Dental Imaging Software: Imaging technologies offer a preview of your results. Your dentist may use imaging technology to communicate the specifications for your procedure to the dental lab technician or any other dental professionals involved in your treatment plan. However, a digital image only gives you an idea of what you might look like when the treatment is complete; it may not fully match your final results.

Before and After Photos: Before and after photos of other patients who have had smile makeovers offer examples of the results you may expect to see. The photos may also give you an idea of the quality of work performed by your cosmetic dentist.

Dental Study Models: Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and fill it with plaster to form an exact model of your teeth. The plaster can then be reshaped by trimming away excess areas or enlarging areas that require more volume. Dentists use study models to show you every aspect of the changes you can expect to see with your makeover. Dental lab technicians also use study models as guides for fabricating materials like crowns or veneers.

Your dentist may work with a laboratory that incorporates digital technologies. In such instances your dentist may be able to use digital scans of your teeth, rather than traditional impressions, for use in making the models of your teeth and smile.

Dental Composite Bonding Mockup: Dental composite bonding may serve as a mockup of your smile makeover. The dentist can temporarily bond composite resin material to your teeth so you can fully visualize the impact of the procedure before treatment begins. In the case of veneers, dental composite bonding allows you to identify how comfortable you are with their look, feel and fit. Adjustments may be made until you are comfortable with the function and appearance of your new smile. Temporary mockups have no lasting impact on your teeth once they are removed.

Maintaining Your Results

Knowing how to modify your oral hygiene habits to best care for your restorations will help you maintain your new smile for years to come.

Highly abrasive toothpastes and tooth brushing habits can scratch the surface of restorations, dulling their polish and luster. As such, non-abrasive fluoride toothpastes are recommended. Brush two-to-three times each day for maximum effectiveness.

Flossing is a key factor in removing debris and plaque from the teeth, and actually increases the lifespan of restorations and helps prevent tooth decay. Flossing is important for everyone, but is especially important for people with veneers, since impeccable gum tissue health is important.

Mouthwashes containing alcohol have been shown to have a negative effect on composite fillings. What’s more, the alcohol content in mouth rinses, over time, can degrade the bond between your restorations (crowns and veneers) and your teeth. Use alcohol-free mouthwashes instead.

Food and Drinks to Limit or Avoid

Avoid foods high in sugar and limit between-meal snacks to prevent cavities. Limit consumption of coffee, soda, tea, etc. to keep your smile stain free.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages excessively. Too much alcohol can ruin your dental work.

Other Precautions

Refrain from biting and/or chewing hard objects such as pens, staples, metal, bottle caps, etc.

If you grind your teeth (bruxism) and were fitted with a night guard to prevent damage to your teeth and restorations, wear it.

Although cosmetic dental restorations are not indestructible and will eventually need to be replaced (five to seven years for composite; 10 to 15 years for porcelain), the life of your new smile depends as much on how well you take care of it as on the skill and talent of your cosmetic dentist.

Replacing a broken or fractured veneer or crown involves impressions, shade matching, a temporary and waiting for a permanent restoration. And, depending on your dentist’s policy, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing the damaged dental crown or veneer.

Follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure the long-term beauty of your new smile, and be sure to keep all follow-up and regular cleaning appointments with your dentist and hygienist..

Among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures,  composite bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, change the shape of teeth, or be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings

Composite fillings procedure

Unless there are special circumstances, the process of getting a composite filling is fairly straightforward and can be finished in one visit.

1. We may start by selecting the shade of composite to use in your filling at the beginning of your visit.
2. You may or may not require a shot of a numbing agent for local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
3. We will drill into your tooth enamel and remove the decayed part of your tooth.
4. We’ll clean and dry the area and prepare the tooth. With more extensive damage, this might entail some tooth shaving.
5. The dentist will etch and bond the tooth.
6. We ’ll begin layering the composite material into the hole in your tooth and will use a light to cure the composite filling and get it to set..
7. We will shape and contour the tooth, then polish it.
8. We will check your bite to make sure you’re comfortable with the restoration.

Afterward, you might have a little short-lived sensitivity to heat and cold, but it should go away pretty quickly.

 

A dental crown is a custom-made, permanent restoration. They look like a hollow, tooth shaped “cap”, which is placed over a prepared natural tooth.

When cemented into place, crowns completely cover the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Dentistry has come a long way from the old days of plain metal crowns.

While they still have many useful applications, these days we are able to offer a wide variety of options to suit your individual case. Whether you are after durability, strength or the most natural aesthetic appearance, we can custom manufacture a crown to fit seamlessly into your smile. Crowns offer incredible practicality in their use. One of their most important functions is allowing patients to repair, and therefore keep, their natural teeth. They can also create the most amazing cosmetic transformations. If you are interested in how a crown may be able to benefit your smile, contact us for a consultation.

What is a dental crown?

Crowns are also used in implant cases to replace missing teeth that have been lost due to disease, decay or an accident. A dental implant is an artificial root that is inserted into the jawbone to support and hold the crown in place, where there is no natural tooth or root structure to do so.

Why is a dental crown needed?

The main purpose of a crown is to restore strength, functionality, shape and size to a tooth, and to improve its appearance.

Situations where a crown may be needed include:

• To protect a tooth that has become weakened (for example by decay) or cracked, by holding it together and preventing it from breaking.
• To replace an old, broken or failing tooth filling.
• To restore a tooth that has already broken.
• To restore length on worn down teeth (for example from grinding).
• To cover and support a tooth that has a large filling if there isn’t much natural tooth structure left.
• To make a cosmetic modification such as closing spaces between teeth, or reshaping or rotating teeth.
• Crowns are used to hold dental bridges in place.
• A crown is used to cover a dental implant.
• A crown is recommended to restore strength to any tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.

A crown will not only enhance the appearance of the tooth, but will protect it from further wear and breakdown.

In the case of an entire missing tooth, gaps left in the mouth will eventually cause the surrounding teeth to shift or rotate into the empty space, causing malocclusion (‘bad bite’), which can have a negative impact on diet. It can also cause bone deterioration in the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Therefore, it is always advisable to discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist, such as an implant and crown, rather than leaving gaps in dentition.

What types of crowns are available and what is the difference between them?

Permanent dental crowns can be made from:

• All metal,
• All ceramic,
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal,
• Stainless steel, and
• All resin materials.

 

All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain Crowns

The term “all ceramic” crown literally means the entire crown is made out of a ceramic material.

All ceramic crowns are sometimes also called ‘all porcelain crowns’.

All ceramic dental crowns provide a natural appearance and colour match that is amazingly lifelike and unsurpassed by any other type of crown. The lustrous, glistening optical quality of a natural tooth is generated by the way light passes through the tooth and is then reflected out. The goal in the creation of a ceramic crown is to mimic the light handling characteristics, and therefore appearance, of a natural tooth. Generally speaking, the best way to achieve this effect is to use very translucent porcelain in a thick layer.

Types of ceramic crowns:

There are many different types of ceramic crowns and brands of materials available. Some of the main kinds are:

1.Feldspathic Porcelain Crowns

2.Zirconia Crowns-monolithic and core only crowns

3.Aluminous Crowns – Procera, Empress and Emax 

Consult us to know which variety will best suit your needs..

All-Resin Crowns

The term “all resin” crown literally means the entire crown is made out of a resin material.

All resin crowns are primarily used as a temporary measure, protecting the tooth or filling until the permanent crown has been manufactured. The reason resin crowns are often only used as a temporary measure is because they wear down easily over time and do not withstand biting and chewing forces very well. They are also relatively vulnerable to fractures compared to other crown types, which does not make them a very appropriate permanent option.

Onlays

What happens when a tooth is too damaged to support just a filling, but is not damaged enough to warrant a full dental crown? Filing down the entire top of a tooth for a crown when it doesn’t need one removes more natural tooth structure than necessary. However, placing a large dental filling in a badly damaged tooth can weaken the remaining structure and leave it very susceptible to fractures, causing worse problems in the future. In cases such as this, a dental restoration called an ‘onlay’ is usually selected.

Onlys fall somewhere between a filling and a crown, and allow large cavities to be restored while keeping as much natural tooth structure as possible.

An onlay is a custom-made restoration that only covers some of the cusps of the tooth, as opposed to a crown which covers all of them, which is why they are sometimes referred to as ‘partial crowns’.

INLAYS

You may also have heard of a restoration similar to an onlay, called an ‘inlay’. These are the same kind of restoration, but they cover different areas of the tooth. A dental inlay fills the space in the middle of the tooth between the cups, whereas an onlay covers the middle area and one or more outer chewing cusps. Because of the extensive coverage onlays provide, only they are referred to as ‘partial crowns’.

They can be made from metal, composite (resin) material or ceramic/porcelain (the latter two are matched to the natural tooth colour). They ARE more resistant to fractures and damage than traditional cavity fillings and are Stain-resistant.

Procedure

Inlays and Onlays are made in a dental laboratory and generally require two dental appointments.

During the first appointment after the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken which are sent to the lab for the onlay to be custom designed from.

You will receive a temporary filling to wear while your permanent onlay is being made.

When you come back for your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the permanent restoration is cemented.

Veneers/laminates-we have been improving patients smiles and confidence with Dental veneers /laminates,which are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are pasted to the front of the teeth While they don’t improve the way your teeth fit together or function, they make the frontal surfaces of your teeth look more attractive or similar to one another.  And can change their color, shape, size, or length.

At Divine dental, the team customizes your veneers according to the original shape, size, and color of your teeth so they look as natural as possible. They use porcelain to make the veneers, which comes in a range of colors and has a very similar translucency to natural teeth.

Porcelain is also similar in strength and durability to your natural tooth enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth.

As long as you follow proper care instructions, porcelain veneers can last several years before you detect any wear-and-tear that might require a replacement.

How can veneers improve my smile?

Veneers mimic the natural characteristics of your teeth while eliminating the appearance of many of the most common types of cosmetic damage. Sometimes teeth break or wear down and still function just fine without the need for crowns or dental implants.

As long as you’re addressing issues with teeth in the front of your mouth and not your molars, you can use veneers to cover defects like:

• Minor cracks
• Minor chips
• Discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening
• Worn-down biting surfaces
• Minor twists or overlaps
• Small or short teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and maintain their white shades. However, it’s important to know that veneers aren’t a reversible treatment since your dentist must alter the structure of your natural teeth before attaching them.

What is the procedure for getting veneers?

As with any dental services at Divine Dental, you’ll need to come in for a consultation regarding your goals and oral health.

The team conducts a visual screening before taking scans and X-rays of your smile. Based on their findings, they decide whether or not you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.

The team buffs your targeted teeth to prepare for the veneers before attaching them. They use a handheld digital scanner to get the exact dimensions and contours of your teeth before designing and fabricating your custom veneers in a lab.

It might take some time to fabricate your veneers, so the team might offer you temporary veneers to wear as you wait.

When your porcelain veneers are ready, the team etches your teeth to help the veneers attach to them securely. Then, they use a firm bonding material to attach the veneers to your teeth and use a curing light to harden it. They send you off with instructions on how to care for your new and cosmetically improved smile.

If you’re interested in improving your smile’s beauty with high-end porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation at Divine Dental.

Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces. But because they’re made with tooth-colored materials, they’re less noticeable. Clear braces can correct the same orthodontic issues as metal braces, including overbites, underbites, crooked teeth and crowding.

What are clear braces?

Clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten your teeth. They can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked, crowded, gapped and overlapped teeth. Clear braces are discreet and less noticeable than metal braces. Many orthodontists offer clear braces for adults and teens.

Clear braces vs. metal: What’s the difference?

When you hear the word “braces,” you probably picture traditional metal braces. These dental appliances straighten your teeth using stainless steel bands, brackets and wires.

Clear braces work the same way as traditional metal braces. But they consist of ceramic brackets and frosted wires to match the shade of your natural teeth. As a result, clear braces are less noticeable compared to metal braces.

Clear braces aren’t as strong as metal braces. For this reason, it may take slightly longer to straighten your teeth using clear braces.

Note: There’s also a difference between clear bracket braces and clear orthodontic aligners (such as Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®). While clear braces use components similar to metal braces (like brackets and wires), orthodontic aligners are removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Both have pros and cons. Talk to a dentist or orthodontist to find out which option is best for you.

Are clear braces as effective as regular braces?

Yes. Clear braces are just as effective as traditional metal braces. They just use different materials. But as mentioned above, it might take longer to straighten your teeth with clear braces.

Why are clear braces used?

Orthodontists use clear braces to correct a wide range of misalignment issues, including:

• Malocclusion (when your bite is “off”).
• Overbites.
• Underbites.
• Cross bites (when your lower teeth sit on the outside of your upper teeth).
• Open bites (when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch or overlap).
• Crowding.
• Gaps or spaces.
• Overlapping.

In addition to boosting your confidence and self-esteem, clear braces help improve oral health and function. When your teeth aren’t aligned properly, it can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. It’s more difficult to clean teeth when they’re crowded or overlapped. Proper alignment also reduces your risk of chewing issues.

Procedure Details

What happens before I get my clear braces?

First, you’ll need to visit a dentist or orthodontist for an examination. They’ll check your oral health and see if you’re eligible for clear braces. If you have extensive tooth decay, gum disease or gum recession, the dentist will need to treat those issues first. Attaching braces to teeth that aren’t healthy can lead to a host of other dental problems.

If your dentist thinks you’re a candidate for clear braces, they’ll probably refer you to an orthodontist — a dentist who specializes in straightening teeth.

How are clear braces placed?

Your orthodontist bonds the clear ceramic brackets to the front surfaces of your teeth using a special dental cement. Once the brackets are in place, your orthodontist attaches a tooth-colored wire to the brackets and anchors the wire using metal bands on your back molars. Finally, they’ll add clear elastics to your brackets to keep the wire firmly in place.

In most cases, it takes about one to two hours for an orthodontist to place clear braces.

What can I expect after I get clear braces?

After your clear braces are on, you may experience slight tenderness and discomfort. These side effects are normal and should go away in a few days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease your symptoms.

You’ll also need to steer clear of hard, crunchy or sticky foods, which can dislodge or break your ceramic brackets. Your orthodontist will provide you with a list of things to avoid.

Risks / Benefits

What are the advantages of clear braces?

Clear braces, while not invisible, are still far less noticeable than metal braces. This is the main reason why some people choose clear ceramic braces.

Do clear braces turn yellow or stain?

Clear braces are more prone to staining compared to traditional metal braces. To reduce staining:

• Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine and tomato sauce.
• Brush and floss daily to minimize plaque and tartar.
• Don’t smoke.
• Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

Do clear braces break easier than metal braces?

Compared to traditional metal braces, clear bracket braces are more fragile. They tend to break more often. To reduce this risk, follow the dietary restrictions outlined by your orthodontist.

Are clear braces more expensive?

Clear braces are usually more expensive than metal braces because of the materials used. Keep in mind that clear braces are also more fragile, so it’s possible you’ll have to pay more for repairs.

Recovery and Outlook

How long do clear braces stay on?

On average, it takes between 12 months and 36 months to straighten your teeth with clear braces. In comparison, it takes an average of 20 months to complete treatment using metal braces. The length of treatment depends on the severity of misalignment.

What should I eat when wearing braces?

Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid as well as foods you can eat.

Foods to avoid with clear braces

• Foods that you bite into (apples, carrots, corn on the cob).
• Crunchy foods (chips, ice, popcorn).
• Chewy or sticky foods (caramels, taffy, licorice, chewing gum).
• Hard foods (hard candy, nuts).
• Foods that stain (coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, soy sauce).

Foods to eat with clear braces

There are many foods you can still enjoy while wearing clear braces. Here are just a few examples:

• Rice.
• Pasta
• Soft breads.
• Lunch meats.
• Chicken.
• Turkey.
• Cheese.
• Cooked vegetables.
• Bananas.
• Applesauce.
• Yogurt.
• Smoothies.
• Gelatin.

How should I clean my teeth with braces?

Oral hygiene is always important, especially if you wear braces. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth clean and healthy:

• Brush two to three times every day.
• Floss between your teeth once a day. (Ask your orthodontist for product recommendations like floss threaders and interproximal brushes. These tools make it easier to clean around braces.)
• Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine and tomato-based sauces.
• Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

When to Call the Doctor

When should I see my dentist?

If you’re concerned or self-conscious about tooth misalignment or malocclusion, talk to a dentist about treatment options. There are several dental treatments that can improve the appearance, health and function of your smile. Your dentist can help determine which one is right for you and your oral health goals.

Clear Aligners are transparent trays made of special material which are used to straighten teeth just like braces. They use gentle and constant force to move the teeth in the required position without going through the hassles of metal wires and brackets. They are custom made for each patient through a digital scan.

How do they work?

They are custom made for every person and designed to move teeth in the desired direction very very slowly. This is achieved by digitally capturing impression and processing the information using specialized software, where the future projections for better results and straighter teeth are computed and then the milling machine automatically custom fabricates the set of trays for you. On average, a person needs approximately 25-40 sets for complete alignment.

The aligners come with an advantage i.e. they are very snugly fitting which over a period becomes virtually a part of the body and hence causes no speech problems. There are no restrictions on eating and drinking any foods as you will be removing them before every meal. 

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Appearance

Unlike metal braces, clear plastic Invisalign aligners closely fit a user’s teeth and are nearly invisible from a distance. A discreet style is one of the main reasons many people choose transparent aligners over braces.

Comfort

Clear aligners fit flush against teeth and don’t cause the cuts or discomfort that braces can. While wearers do experience some discomfort with teeth repositioning, the inside of the mouth is largely spared pain with Invisalign.

Ease of Brushing and Flossing

With clear aligners, users simply remove the mouthpiece and brush and floss normally. No need for a lengthy and challenging dental care process as with traditional braces.

No Danger With Hard or Chewy Foods

Braces wearers should avoid hard and chewy foods, including nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. But because people with aligners must remove them before eating, they don’t need to avoid these foods.

Fewer Orthodontist Visits

Some patients won’t need to visit the orthodontist as frequently with aligners as with braces. While Invisalign treatments usually require a visit every four to six weeks, some online companies provide customers with clear aligners and zero orthodontist visits, although this isn’t the best option for everyone. For braces treatment, customers must come into the office for every adjustment.

Care with Aligners on

Though aligners are the most comfortable option, yet there are certain things that need to be kept in mind while you have it on. Your Orthodontist will give you a set of guidelines that should be followed diligently such as below:

• You should wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day for the effective results
• Remove your aligners while brushing, flossing & eating. Never have it on especially while consuming anything hot
• Keep your aligners clean. While you brush make sure that you brush your aligners in the same way
• Keep them safe in the box as given by your Orthodontist to prevent it from getting dirty

Post-treatment care

• Retain your smile with Retainer – Just because you’ve got your teeth straightened does not necessarily mean that it will stay straight throughout. Your Orthodontist might advise retainers which will prevent your teeth to shift back to their previous location
• Take care of your food habits – It may so happen that your teeth are sensitive after the treatment, therefore, it is advised to not consume, too crunchy food for a few days. Let your smile rest before going back to the crunchy munchy snacks
• Do not forget to brush – Keep up your habit of brushing twice a day and flossing in order to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Not taking good care of your oral hygiene will let the treatment go in vain.
• Visit your dentist – Because you are done with your treatment and have got that perfect smile you always desired for does not mean that you need not visit the dentist ever. Always visit a dentist after every 6 months to ensure that this smile remains intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. Are Invisible Aligners as good as Braces?

Aligners offer multiple advantages over traditional braces. They are discreet and offer better results in a hassle-free and fast manner. Teeth Aligners are also way more comfortable than traditional braces. However, patients still need to be very disciplined about wearing aligners for ensuring treatment success.

Q.2. Can anyone get teeth aligners?

Clear Aligners/ Invisible braces are an ideal orthodontic treatment for people of all ages. They are discreet, hassle-free and very effective. However, compliance is more demanding in the case of children. Parents considering aligners for their children must consult an orthodontist at Clove Dental and ensure that the child is a perfect candidate for aligners.

Q.3. How long does it take to recover?

Aligners are hassle-free and promise much faster results than traditional braces. Getting accustomed to aligners is easy and the recovery time is also shorter. But in some cases, it can vary depending on the teeth straightening needs and overall patient compliance. Ideally, recovery time for aligners is between 13-15 months.

Q.4. Are the results permanent?

The results are permanent only if patients practice proper aftercare. There is a natural tendency for teeth to relapse after teeth aligners are removed. Ideally, retainers are used to avoid any chances of relapse. Patients can either opt for either fixed or removable retainers to ensure the results are permanent.

Q.5. Are there any side-effects of the treatment?

No, there are no side effects. Aligners are one of the safest orthodontics treatment. Further, a dentist will suggest aligners only after proper assessment of the current state of your smile. Chances of irritation and discomfort are extremely negligible and most patients get accustomed to aligners within 2-3 weeks.

Q.6. What is the price of treatment?

Aligners are costlier than traditional braces. Further, aligners cost vary depending upon a patient’s smile restoration needs. However, considering its effectiveness in getting a perfect smile, the treatment is worth all its costs.

Teeth whitening- who doesn’t like a bright smile? Whitening is a one-time procedure performed by a dentist. Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.

It is amongst the most common and widely adopted cosmetic procedure .. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth — as opposed to gray tones — respond best. It relatively inexpensive and most effective way to enhance a faded smile in just an hour.

More and more people are paying for brighter, whiter teeth. But does teeth whitening work and is it safe? Here are the answers to common questions about the treatment. 

What are Your Whitening Options? 

• Three major teeth whitening options are available today. All three rely on varying concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

• Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use system.
  

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits

• Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

• Over-the-Counter Products
• The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, strips or paint-on applicators. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.

What happens during teeth whitening?

• Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
• If you have your teeth whitened you’ll first need to make 2 to 3 visits to the dental surgery.
• The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouth guard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouth guard at home, you regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time over a few weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period.

 

What are the risks of home kits and salon teeth whitening?

Some home kits don’t contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn’t doing the whitening, the mouth guard  provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.

Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal.

How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?

We will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn’t suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person.

• The whitening effect won’t last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

 

Will teeth whitening work on false teeth?

Teeth whitening  doesn’t work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

No matter what treatment you use, there’s a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There’s also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

How White Can You Go? A Matter of Esthetics

Results are subjective, varying considerably from person to person. Many are immediately delighted with their outcome, while others may be disappointed

Shade Guides

In the dental office, before-and-after tooth color is typically measured with shade guides. These are hand-held displays of wide ranges of tooth colors. (Dentists also use them in choosing crown and other restoration shades.)

The standard-setter among them has long been the Vitapan Classic Shade Guide. This shade guide standard incorporates 16 shades, systematically arranged from light to dark into four color groups, and provides a universal tooth-color terminology.

While whitening can occasionally lighten tooth color by nine or more shades, most of those who bleach their teeth are likely to see a change of two to seven shades.

Risks

Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:

• Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains (“zingers”) down the middle of their front teeth. Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers. Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
• Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
• Technicolor teeth: Restorations such as bonding, dental crowns or veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called “technicolor teeth.”

Maintaining Your Results

To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:

• At-home follow-up or maintenance whitening – implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as once a year.
• Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
• Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.

Caveats

In addition to the aforementioned risk factors, a number of caveats should be considered before undergoing teeth whitening:

• No amount of bleaching will yield “unnaturally” white teeth.
• Whitening results are not fully seen until approximately two weeks after bleaching. This is an important consideration if you are about to have ceramic restorations and want to be sure the color matches that of your newly bleached teeth.
• If cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or other restorations are part of your treatment plan, they should not be placed until a minimum of two weeks following bleaching to ensure proper adhesive bonding, function and shade matching.
• To avoid the technicolor effect, tooth-colored restorations will likely need replacement after bleaching.
• Recessed gums often reveal their yellowish root surfaces at the gum line. That yellow color has proven difficult to bleach.
• Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid teeth whitening. The potential impact of swallowed bleach on the fetus or baby is not yet known.

Keep in mind that whitening results are not permanent, meaning that if you want to maintain your whitened smile, you’ll need to continue getting treatments as the effects wane.