Smiles By Design - Team

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

If you want all the benefits of a straight smile, but also want a less noticeable treatment, our orthodontist can provide you with clear braces! Clear (or ceramic) braces offer all the effectiveness of metal braces with the added benefit of being less visible.

Clear braces work upon the same basic principles as traditional metal braces. They are designed to gently and gradually adjust the positions of your teeth to give you a straighter, more beautiful smile. They can also improve your oral health because straighter teeth are generally at a lower risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental problems.

Whether you are a teenager who is conscious of your appearance at school, or an adult who would prefer to maintain your professional appearance at work, clear braces are a great option. To learn what clear braces cost, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rahaim today!

The Pros and Cons of Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Are you looking to get a straight, healthy, and beautiful smile? Braces might be a great choice for you, but when it comes to braces, there’s more than one option. Metal braces and ceramic braces are two types of braces you can choose between when it comes to teeth-straightening.

Typically, ceramic braces are associated with being more discreet than metal braces. The way they are composed and colored makes them less noticeable than metal braces. This results in adults choosing to get them more so than the younger crowds. They are available to anyone who wishes to get them though, as long as your orthodontist gives you the all-clear.

What’s the Difference Between Metal and Ceramic Braces?

Not much is different other than the material the brackets of the braces are made with. The brackets on metal braces are obviously metal and are very strong and stain resistant. If you’re using ceramic braces, the brackets will be clear or tooth-colored and, you guessed it, will be made of ceramic. In addition to that, both the wire and the rubber bands used are usually similarly colored to provide maximum discretion. The primary difference between the two is cosmetic–ceramic braces are less noticeable.

The treatment times are also similar with metal and ceramic braces, so there’s no difference there. There are some pros and cons to using ceramic as opposed to metal that you should be aware of though.

Pros

  • Offers the strength of metal braces and can treat the same issues, but with more discretion (like Invisalign).
  • Patients have reported the ceramic brackets are less irritating to their gums than metal ones.
  • May be a less expensive option than Invisalign for those who want less noticeable orthodontic treatment.

Cons

  • Ceramic is more porous than metal and can stain.
  • They can cost more than metal braces.

The most noteworthy downside to choosing ceramic braces over metal braces is their tendency to stain. If you consume a lot of darker foods or liquids, it might affect the color of your brackets. As a result, they will need to be brushed more frequently than metal braces. So, if you’re considering getting ceramic braces, you should be aware that you might need to put in a little more time and effort when it comes to cleaning your teeth and braces after food or liquid consumption. Without brushing as soon as you can after eating or drinking, the brackets may begin to yellow over time. If you’re aware of this and are willing to keep your teeth squeaky clean, then ceramic braces can be an excellent option for you.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll be on your way to a healthy and beautiful smile in no time!

Level Up Your Smile.