Dental Braces

Clippy-C Braces FAQ

• Q. How much does Clippy-C orthodontic treatment cost?

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    The cost of Clippy-C orthodontic treatment varies from clinic to clinic. In Korea, relatively simple limited orthodontic treatment may range from approximately KRW 1.5–3 million, while more complex cases requiring two years or longer and additional appliances such as orthodontic miniscrews or arch expanders may cost KRW 4–7 million or more.
    
    Cost, however, should be considered alongside the orthodontist’s experience and expertise. It is important to know whether your orthodontist personally performs a thorough consultation and diagnosis, develops your treatment plan, and carefully monitors your progress throughout treatment rather than relying on a standardized, high-volume approach.

• Q. What is Clippy-C, and how is it different from ceramic braces?

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    These terms can sometimes be confusing. Clippy-C is actually a type of ceramic bracket. Ceramic brackets can be either conventionally ligated or self-ligating. Clippy-C is a self-ligating ceramic bracket with a built-in clip that holds the orthodontic wire in place.

• Q. What types of brackets does The Square Dental Clinic use?

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    The Square Dental Clinic uses both Clippy-C and S-Line brackets. Both are self-ligating systems. S-Line also features a ceramic clip, offering an additional aesthetic advantage by making the appliance less noticeable.

• Q. How long does treatment with braces take?

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    Orthodontic treatment with braces can take anywhere from several months to several years. The exact treatment time depends on factors such as your initial tooth alignment, age, jaw structure, bite, and treatment goals.

• Q. How often will I need to visit the clinic?

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    Patients with braces typically visit the clinic every 4–6 weeks. The interval between appointments may vary depending on your treatment progress, individual condition, and your orthodontist’s clinical judgment.

• Q. Do I have to have teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment?

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    No. Not every orthodontic case requires tooth extraction. However, extraction may be recommended when it is necessary to achieve the treatment goals—for example, when the teeth are too large for the available jaw space, there is severe crowding, or a tooth has a poor prognosis because of extensive decay or other damage.
    
    At The Square Dental Clinic, when both extraction and non-extraction approaches are clinically possible, we carefully explain the advantages and limitations of each option so that you can make an informed decision.

• Q. Do I have to wear elastics during braces treatment?

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    Not everyone needs orthodontic elastics. They are prescribed when necessary and are commonly used to correct discrepancies between the upper and lower teeth or asymmetries between the right and left sides of the bite.

• Q. Are there any possible side effects of orthodontic treatment?

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    Orthodontic treatment requires particularly careful oral hygiene. Brackets and wires can make cleaning more difficult, which may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems if plaque is not adequately controlled. At The Square Dental Clinic, we regularly monitor gum health and check for early signs of cavities throughout treatment, with professional cleaning provided when needed.
    
    Some patients may develop “black triangles,” or small spaces near the gumline between teeth, as the teeth move into alignment. A certain degree of root resorption may also occur during orthodontic tooth movement, and the amount varies from person to person. In some cases, the roots may appear slightly shorter after treatment.

• Q. Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

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    Orthodontic treatment works by applying controlled forces to gradually move the teeth. After an adjustment or a new wire is placed, you may experience soreness or pressure for the first few days. This usually improves as your teeth adjust to the orthodontic forces, although the level of discomfort varies from person to person.

• Q. What should I do if I experience pain during orthodontic treatment?

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    Soreness caused by normal orthodontic forces usually improves within a few days. If necessary and medically appropriate, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help manage temporary discomfort.
    
    If a bracket becomes loose, a wire comes out, or part of the appliance is poking or irritating the inside of your mouth, please contact the clinic. The appliance may need to be adjusted.

• Q. Are there any foods I should avoid while wearing braces?

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    While wearing braces, it is best to avoid very hard, chewy, or sticky foods such as popcorn, chewing gum, hard candy, and caramel. These foods can damage or loosen the brackets and wires and may also make oral hygiene more difficult.