Maybe you’ve made the switch from amalgam fillings to metal-free fillings, but what options do you have when it comes to orthodontics? In the not-too-distant past, the only option for braces involved metal wires and brackets, but today’s clear aligner trays make it possible to straighten your teeth sans metal.
Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, proudly offers ClearCorrect® as a metal-free orthodontic system here at Dr. Darj Dental in El Paso, Texas. Are you ready to get started on a new smile? Here’s what you need to know about clear braces.
Traditional metal braces are an effective way to shift your teeth, but they do so through the use of metal brackets and archwires. While some brackets may be made of stainless steel, that’s not the only metal used. Both brackets and archwires can be made of stainless steel and nickel-titanium (NiTi).
Nickel-titanium alloys can contain chromium, cobalt, nickel, and titanium. Chromium is added to prevent rust, but studies indicate that chromium can cause allergic reactions. Another study found that chromium in orthodontic appliances releases harmful ions, leads to possible cytotoxic effects, damages oral DNA, and increases the risk of carcinogenesis.
Chromium isn’t the only problematic metal. Nickel is a common allergen, affecting up to 10% of Americans. It’s a common cause behind eczema (contact dermatitis), but severe allergies to nickel can lead to headaches and fatigue. Most nickel allergies can cause red bumps, itchiness, and blisters at the site where the nickel touches your skin or mouth, in the case of braces.
While metal braces are an effective orthodontic treatment for many patients, they aren’t the only solution available. ClearCorrect relies on clear plastic aligner trays to gently shift your teeth into the correct position. Your new aligner trays are composed of FDA-approved, specially formulated polyurethane resin. These trays are also:
ClearCorrect aligners are safe for individuals with known metal allergies, people who want to avoid excess metal exposure, and pregnant/nursing mothers who don’t want the added metal during their pregnancy or lactation.
ClearCorrect uses smooth, comfortable plastic trays, and that’s the secret to their success. There’s no need for metal archwires to move your teeth because the trays themselves perform this task. Every few weeks, you replace your old trays with new aligners. Because each set is incrementally adjusted, your teeth shift ever so gently.
For many people, the metal-free aspect of ClearCorrect is enough reason to say yes. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other benefits of ClearCorrect include:
If you’d like to straighten your teeth with metal-free ClearCorrect, call Dr. Darj for a consultation at 915-213-4097. You can also request an appointment online at any time.
