Clear Braces

The procedure is painless and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. A team member at Smile Designs of Southern Ohio will first polish your teeth and prepare them with a primer. Dr. McDonald will then apply a special adhesive and attach the clear brackets.

We'll wrap up by explaining how to care for your braces before sending you on your way with a smile.

Yes! Clear braces work just like metal braces, using brackets and wires to guide teeth into alignment.

Absolutely not! At Smile Designs of Southern Ohio, we see many adult patients who are perfect candidates for aesthetic options like ceramic braces and clear aligners.

The duration of your treatment can vary based on the complexity of your case, your age, and how closely you follow the care instructions from Dr. McDonald.

Generally, patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but we'll give you a more personalized timeline during your consultation.

You may feel mild discomfort after getting braces or following an adjustment, but it goes away quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help ease irritation. If you experience significant discomfort or pain, please contact our West Union office at once.

The brackets themselves are stain-resistant, but the clear elastic ties can discolor. You can avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine to keep your braces looking their best.

That said, Dr. McDonald will replace your elastic ties at each adjustment appointment—and sometimes in between adjustments—so you don't need to completely change your diet or lifestyle when wearing clear elastics with your ceramic braces.

Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can damage your braces. Avoid caramel, popcorn, and crunchy snacks to prevent issues with your brackets and wires.

Yes, dental visits are crucial during orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Braces can make brushing and flossing challenging, so regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist are essential to maintain oral health.

Dr. McDonald will use specialized tools to gently remove your braces. This process is pain-free. Our team will also clean off any remaining adhesive and polish your teeth, preparing you to show off your new smile.

We'll provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation. At Smile Designs of Southern Ohio, we believe in transparency. We offer various payment plans to make your treatment affordable.

You'll typically visit Smile Designs of Southern Ohio every four to eight weeks for adjustments and progress checks. These regular appointments ensure your treatment is moving along smoothly.

With braces, it's important to brush your teeth four times a day: after each meal and before bed. This helps prevent food particles and plaque from building up around your brackets and wires.