Do you need braces? Are you not excited about all the metal on your smile? There is an alternative that can give you the same moving power as braces without all the metal: clear braces.
Shoe Orthodontics provides ceramic clear braces as an alternative to traditional metal braces for patients who feel self-conscious about their smile. Available at both our Hanover, PA, and Reisterstown, MD locations, these discreet options are perfect for addressing orthodontic issues with confidence. Clear bracket braces are much less conspicuous while straightening teeth but offer the same moving power as traditional braces.
Are clear braces the right treatment option for you? Let’s look at what clear braces are and the pros and cons of clear braces.
What Are Clear Braces?
What are clear braces, and how are clear brackets braces different from stainless steel brackets? They are essentially the same as regular metal braces. They include brackets, archwires, and bands.
The bands wrap around the back molars to anchor the archwires. The wires fit into the brackets and apply pressure, moving the teeth. The main difference between clear braces and metal braces is the brackets themselves.
These braces are made with a ceramic material that is durable and stain-resistant. This material can be closely matched to your tooth’s natural color. This makes it much more difficult to see compared to metal braces.
We often recommend clear braces for adults and teenagers who prefer not to have metal brackets or who have severe dental issues that clear aligners can’t solve.
How Long Do Clear Braces Take?
Clear braces work like metal braces, so the treatment time is about the same. On average, braces treatment takes about 12-24 months. Some treatments may be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of the dental problems.
We will examine your teeth and jaws during your first visit and create a treatment plan. We will review your plan with you, including the type of treatment, a treatment timeline, and the cost of the treatment.
Pros of Clear Braces
Clear braces have a lot of advantages. We know one of the biggest pros of clear braces is the low profile. Many clear braces brackets today can be color-matched to the teeth, making them even harder to see.
They are made with a ceramic material that is designed to be stain-resistant. Rinsing your mouth after eating and drinking can help keep your braces brackets clear.
They are just as powerful and effective as metal braces. That means they can handle even the most severe orthodontic cases, even those that clear aligners can’t fix.
Finally, clear braces brackets have smoother edges, which patients find more comfortable than metal brackets. The brackets are often less irritating to the cheeks, tongue, and lips, so you’ll need less dental wax.
Cons of Clear Braces
While there are a lot of pros, there are still a few cons of clear braces. The brackets are strong and durable but less strong than metal brackets. Though difficult, it is possible to break a ceramic bracket. It makes it even more important to stick to the rules of not eating hard or crunchy foods.
Ceramic braces are stain-resistant, but they may discolor toward the end of your treatment, especially if you consume foods or drinks that can stain, such as colas, fruit juices, tomato products, chocolate, coffee, tea, and other such foods and drinks. Rinsing your mouth afterward can help.
While the brackets are less visible, you can still see the archwires and elastic bands that hold them to the brackets. They are less visible than metal braces but aren’t nearly invisible like clear aligners.
How Do I Care for Clear Braces?
Caring for clear braces is similar to caring for metal braces, including brushing and flossing at least twice daily. Some ceramic braces brackets may be slightly larger than metal brackets, which could make it slightly more difficult to clean around them. However, the right tools can still get the job done and keep your braces and teeth looking great.
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush may make it easier to get around braces brackets.
Many electronic toothbrushes have rotating and vibrating heads that can get into the nooks and crannies in and around braces brackets.
You need to brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. You need to floss at least once a day before brushing.
Flossing can be a challenge with braces, but floss threaders make it much easier. Some floss threaders look like plastic attached to the end of a piece of dental floss. Others look like plastic needles with giant eyes where you thread dental floss. The plastic can go over or under archwires and through teeth, bringing the dental floss with it.
You should also continue to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional dental cleaning.
Are Clear Braces Worth the Cost?
Clear braces are a discreet and effective orthodontic option, offering a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces. Many people with clear braces appreciate their subtle appearance, especially in professional or social settings. While clear braces cost slightly more than metal braces, their aesthetic appeal often outweighs the price difference.
Comparing clear braces vs metal, the choice depends on personal preferences and treatment needs. So, are clear braces good? Absolutely—they combine effectiveness with style!
Get Clear Braces in Hanover, PA
Clear braces offer a great alternative to those who aren’t certain about the look of metal braces. They offer the same moving power and efficiency as metal braces with a lower profile that makes them more appealing to some patients, including adults.
Are clear braces right for you? Schedule an appointment with Shoe Orthodontics at one of our convenient locations in Hanover, PA, or Reisterstown, MD, to learn more! We’ll show you whether clear braces are the best orthodontic treatment option for you.
