For various reasons, many new patients ask for options other than traditional metal braces before beginning their treatment. Clear braces represent one of the most commonly provided alternatives, which treat your teeth in the same way but have unique benefits compared to normal metal appliances.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, consider these reasons why clear braces are better than traditional metal ones while making your decision.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces are applied just like traditional metal braces. They consist of brackets adhered to each affected tooth, connected by an archwire that applies pressure to the teeth throughout treatment. Note that clear braces are not the same as clear aligners or Invisalign, which use plastic aligner trays to correct teeth instead of brackets and wires.
Importantly, clear braces work the same way as metal braces, so they treat most of the same issues. These include overbites, underbites, cross bites, crowding, gaps, overlapping, and more. The benefits of completing treatment with clear braces are the same as those with metal ones, including a healthier smile that is not as prone to cavities, a corrected bite, and less wear and tear on your teeth overall.
However, since clear braces are made of ceramic instead of metal, they have some unique benefits that you can’t get with conventional braces.
What Are The Unique Benefits of Clear Braces?
Clear or ceramic braces are harder to see than metal ones. This can be great for kids who don’t want their braces to stick out as obviously or professionals who want their smile to keep a low profile. Anyone self-conscious about the prospect of wearing braces for 12-24 months could benefit from the subtle appearance afforded by clear ones.
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign since Invisalign tends to be more expensive than traditional braces, less often covered by insurance, and doesn’t always treat the same conditions. But clear braces tend to be a good fit for anyone who needs braces and may be able to straighten your smile more quickly than Invisalign.
Lastly, clear braces use a different bonding agent than conventional metal braces. This different adhesive keeps the ceramic brackets in place during treatment, but it also comes with the advantage of being cleaner than the agent needed to adhere to metal brackets. The result is that ceramic brackets tend to leave fewer stains on the patient’s teeth when they are removed, leading to more confidence during and after treatment.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Clear Braces?
While clear braces have unique advantages, they also have unique disadvantages. Being made of ceramic, they are not as resistant to damage as metal braces, so wearing a mouthguard during sports is even more important. And since the materials aren’t as sturdy, your treatment may take slightly longer compared to metal braces.
Clear braces can also be more expensive than metal ones due to both the materials used and the greater possibility of needing repairs at some point during treatment. Since not every orthodontist offers them, speak with your provider to learn which types of braces you are eligible for.
How Do I Choose?
Metal and ceramic braces are similar in many ways. Most patients who are eligible for one treatment will be eligible for the other as well. The decision of which is right for you comes down to preference as well as expectations.
Since ceramic braces may be more expensive, you may prefer the cheaper treatment option. However, they offer a more attractive appearance to those who are self-conscious, who work in customer service fields, or who simply prefer a subtler option.
Speak with your orthodontist about the benefits of clear braces and whether you should choose them over the more traditional treatment options.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.