The Clearstep brace is another type of ‘invisible brace’ which is worn to treat a range of orthodontic problems as well as improving your facial appearance, e.g. your smile. Clearstep, Invisalign and Simpli5 are all popular types of brace which are chosen for their attractive appearance, lightweight design and flexibility.
These braces work quickly and smoothly. There is minimal pain and discomfort and a guaranteed outcome. Treatment takes between 9 and 18 months.
What are Clearstep braces?
The Clearstep brace is made from clear plastic and looks similar to a gumshield, worn by people who play contact sports. It is comprised of a series of clear aligners which are responsible for moving your teeth into the desired position.
This brace is suitable for children and adults and is easy to use. You pop the brace in your mouth and remove it before eating, cleaning your teeth or playing sport.
What do Clearstep braces treat?
This brace treats a range of orthodontic problems which include gappy teeth, overcrowding and a ‘bad bite’ (malocclusion). It is an effective form of treatment which appeals to patients who dislike the thought of wearing a noticeable brace.
Advantages of Clearstep braces
There are several benefits to wearing this type of brace which are:
- Can be worn by patients of all ages – young and old
- Practically invisible to the casual observer
- Can be removed before eating, drinking or brushing the teeth
- Comfort: this brace does not cause any friction against the teeth or gums.
- Protects the biting/chewing edges of the teeth
- Ideally suited to busy lifestyles
These are all good reasons for choosing this brace.
Are there any downsides with this brace? There are a couple of issues to consider: firstly, this brace whilst removable, does need to be worn for 22 hours each day. And it has to be exchanged every two weeks for a new brace. This is a big commitment on your part.
Secondly, it is not suitable for every orthodontic condition. If you have a severe form of malocclusion (or ‘bad bite’) then a conventional brace is a better option, and more likely to work.
The Clearstep brace costs more than a conventional type of brace.
How does a Clearstep brace work?
This brace works by means of a series of clear aligners which gradually pull your front teeth into place. This takes the form of small steps which occur over a period of time.
But for this to work you must wear this brace for 22 hours a day. A failure to do so will slow down the rate of progress which costs you both time and money.
Fitting a Clearstep brace
It starts with a discussion between you and the orthodontist, outlining your requirements and options for treatment. He or she will explain how the brace works and what you can expect in terms of results.
The next stage is an examination of your teeth and gums which is followed by a series of photos and an impression of your teeth. This is used to produce a 3D model of your teeth which acts as a blueprint for the manufacture of the Clearstep brace.
Every Clearstep brace is unique: it is custom designed to your individual requirements.
This brace is then fitted onto your teeth. The orthodontist will demonstrate how the brace works and the importance of looking after it in order to obtain the desired results. He/she will also explain about changing the brace every two weeks for a new model.
You will need to attend the clinic every 6 weeks for a check up.
This is a gradual process, occurring over a set period of time. Each brace is colour coded so that the orthodontist knows which one to fit and can see how your treatment is progressing. This is why it is important that you understand what this process entails and are prepared to commit to wearing the brace for the agreed period of time.