Ceramic Braces in Bronzeville
Do you want to enjoy the benefits of a straight smile but cringe at the thought of wearing metal brackets? Alternative treatments are available, giving you the results you need without the standard “metal mouth” of the past.
With clear braces, the appearance of the materials is less noticeable. Our experienced team at Bronzeville Orthodontics provides solutions to minimize the appearance of the braces in your mouth. The goal is to make them less noticeable when you are wearing the braces, helping you maintain as much confidence as possible during treatment.
Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Don’t worry: even though clear braces are less noticeable, it doesn’t affect your treatment outcome. This orthodontic treatment plan gives you an alternative option to traditional braces – using the same technology and methods.
Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic materials in place of the standard metal brackets used in traditional braces. It works much like what you’d expect with traditional braces:
Brackets: Tooth-colored brackets are secured to the outside surface of each tooth. These brackets are made of ceramic. The materials are chosen carefully to ensure they match the natural color of your teeth.
Wire: You’ll have a metal wire running across the teeth to promote the right movement of the teeth. This wire is the only piece of metal visible in the mouth. It’s much more discreet compared to the combination of using both metal brackets and wires.
Elastics: Finally, the wire is secured to the brackets using clear elastics to hold it in place.
Like traditional braces, you will need to visit the orthodontist every 4 – 6 weeks for an appointment. During this visit, the wire is changed, and new, clear elastics are placed. Following a series of different wires and other orthodontic methods, your teeth will gradually be straightened. The goal is to maintain steady pressure so that the teeth align gently into the desired position.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces Instead of Clear Aligners
Since clear ceramic braces are almost invisible from a distance, it’s easy to see why this method is the treatment of choice for many teenagers and adults. Here are a few reasons why you might choose clear braces instead of clear aligners:
Unique Treatment Needs: Clear plastic aligners are limited in available treatments. Complicated cases will be better served with bracket braces instead of aligners. Your orthodontist will help you decide if braces are a preferred treatment instead of aligners.
Fixed vs. Removable: The idea of removing clear aligners is unpleasant for some people – they’d rather have equipment fixed to the surface of their teeth. For example, clear braces stay in place at all times, but you need to remove and replace clear aligners each time you eat. It can be embarrassing to pull the clear trays out of your mouth before every meal.
24/7 Treatment: Since clear braces are fixed in place, you can enjoy the benefits of ongoing treatment at all times. Compliance can sometimes be a problem with clear aligners because they can be removed. If the aligners aren’t worn for 20 to 22 hours each day, then it can delay the treatment timeline.
Never Lose Equipment: Another problem with removable aligners is that the equipment can get lost, resulting in higher expenses to replace the aligners. One common issue is when people tuck their aligners into a napkin while eating, then accidentally throw the orthodontic device away. You never have this issue with clear braces since the brackets are always connected in place.
The ceramic used for clear braces is stain-resistant, helping you enjoy a virtually invisible appearance through your whole treatment. Unlike clear braces used years ago, today’s technology has improved. They are more comfortable and less noticeable, with a smoother surface from the low-profile design.
Cost of Clear Ceramic Braces
Even though the technology is the same for clear braces and metal braces, it’s a little more expensive to choose ceramic brackets. The specific pricing varies depending on your individual case and the available coverage through your insurance provider.
One option to reduce the cost of clear braces is to use a combined treatment with both ceramic and metal brackets. For example, the ceramic materials are applied only to the visible teeth, such as the upper, front teeth. Then, micro metal brackets are placed on the rest of the less-visible teeth. Or, you can choose to have ceramic brackets on all teeth if you prefer.
Some people feel it’s worth the extra expense to have discreet brackets during the treatment plan. When you are living with these braces on a day-in-day-out basis, you need to be sure that you feel comfortable with your smile. Can you put a price tag on your confidence?
The best solution is to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Bronzeville Orthodontics. We’ll complete a thorough examination to determine if you are a good candidate for braces. We can then offer various treatment options, with pricing estimates for both metal braces and clear ceramic braces. You can evaluate the treatment cost for all options, then determine the optimal way to maximize your investment.
Clear Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Keep in mind that there is a distinct difference between clear, plastic aligners and clear braces. Clear braces use similar materials and treatment methods as traditional braces, with brackets and wires secured to your teeth. These materials stay in your mouth 24/7 and must be removed by an experienced orthodontist.
On the other hand, clear aligners are removable trays that fit over your teeth. Since these aligners aren’t permanently attached to your teeth, you have the benefit of removing the aligners as needed.
Clear braces require you to visit the orthodontist to tighten the wires. Clear aligners are switched every two weeks to the next set of aligners in the series.
Talk to an Orthodontist about Clear Braces
Are clear braces the right treatment to straighten your smile? If you are considering the benefits of ceramic braces, then we invite you to talk to our experienced team about your treatment options. At Bronzeville Orthodontics, we offer a range of options and personalized treatment plans. Call today to book a consultation and learn more about your options.
Any questions?