Clear (Ceramic) Braces: A Clear Alternative to Metal Braces
While many of our patients love to show off their “tin grins” during treatment in metal braces, not everyone does. Some want a more inconspicuous, stealthy option that’s just as effective, and for them, clear or ceramic braces can be a great option. Then again, some of our patients like being able to choose colorful ties to create a bold look with their clear braces.
That’s why we provide options matched to our patients’ unique needs and goals. And while they work in much the same way, there are some key differences with to consider ceramic braces (beyond the appearance).
Read more about clear braces, and book your free, no-obligation consult in Lewisville today!
What are Clear Braces?
Our clear braces are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. They're smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile.
Though they're not completely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.
Blend in or Stand Out with Clear Braces: It’s Your Choice!
Ceramic brackets are a less obvious way to straighten your smile when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This option is especially attractive if you’re an aesthetic-minded adult or teen.
Ceramic braces may be perfect if you want an aesthetic treatment option but don't want the extra hassle of removable aligners and the responsibility of wear time with clear aligner systems like Invisalign®.
Even though most patients in ceramic braces love how discreet they are, we do have some teens and adults who like to use colorful ligature ties. This gives braces an almost “neon” look. The colors really pop off the clear brackets, creating a truly unique look.
Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength. Ceramic braces are also tough, but they are made from a different, more fragile material that’s more likely to chip or crack. Traditional braces are also better at tolerating pressure than newer, ceramic brackets.
If you need more substantial corrections, metal braces could be a better option because adjustments with ceramic braces have to be slightly smaller, potentially resulting in longer treatment time.
Having said that, both types of braces work on the same principles and tend to be equally as effective in most cases.
You may be worried about ceramic braces staining, but that hasn’t been a problem for several years. Ceramic brackets won’t stain. But, the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration or staining over time. You can choose to avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to cut back on the chance of any staining. It’s optional, however, because we change your elastics at every adjustment appointment.
As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Cost of Clear Braces
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment will be the materials used to make your braces. And because we all work hard to manage expenses for ourselves and our families, we know clear braces treatment cost is an important part of the decision process.
The reality is, there’s no set answer for the question: “How much do clear braces cost?”
That’s because every smile is different, so every treatment plan is different.
What is certain is our commitment to making clear braces affordable for anyone who needs them. We offer flexible payment plans, automatic bank drafts, and we will also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits (we’re in-network for nearly every plan). Our goal is to provide outstanding value for a reasonable price!
Treatment fees will vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment.
We’ll determine a treatment fee that fits your specific orthodontic needs, and our office will do everything we can to accommodate you and your budget.
The work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and take them off must also be factored into the total cost of treatment. Placing and removing ceramic braces are more sensitive to technique and requires more time.
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first free consultation.