CERAMIC BRACES
Align your smile with natural-looking, clear braces
If you or your child needs braces, you become faced with the decision of what type of dental braces would be best to straighten the teeth. Your orthodontist may make a recommendation for you, but often people are left with the choice between classic braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners.​ Deciding which type of braces to choose can be a difficult decision, and one that may have ramifications on your daily routines.
Orthodontic treatment to align your teeth and bite will impact your long-term oral and general health, confidence, and emotional well-being. For a long time, anyone who needed braces only had one option for orthodontic treatment - traditional metal braces, which can be cumbersome and very visible. Metal braces are still a common and popular option, however now patients have the choice of clear ceramic braces, which offers advantages in terms of esthetics.
What are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are a clear, translucent type of braces. They are a great alternative to traditional metal braces. These clear braces are made from a sapphire, ceramic material. The appearance of this material is much closer to the natural color of our teeth, which helps reduce their visibility. Therefore, most people that opt for ceramic braces report that many people couldn't tell they were wearing braces. Clear braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile.​​​​​
CERAMIC BRACES VS. METAL BRACES
Comfort: Ceramic braces have a similar comfort level to classic metal braces. With both types of braces, there is an initial period of 3 to 5 days in which teeth will be tender and sore as they start to move.
Application: They’re similar to traditional braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal but offer a more discreet appearance to patients who want to avoid noticeable metal braces brackets, and the hassle of clear aligners.
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Mechanism: Clear braces use the same basic mechanism as other types of braces. They are secured to teeth with an adhesive, and work with orthodontic archwires to align your teeth.
Treatment: Clear ceramic braces are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Common issues include overbites, underbites, protruding or crooked teeth, crossbite, overjet, overbite, and mismatched midlines. Clear braces can tackle everything from small gaps to bigger bite problems. They work just like traditional braces, so you don't lose out on getting great results.​
Effectiveness: Having ceramic braces doesn’t affect how long you will need to wear braces. While some types of clear braces can be slower at closing large spaces, they generally straighten teeth with the same efficiency as metal braces. This makes it a popular choice for teenagers and adults who are concerned that braces will negatively impact their professional or personal lives. It solves the cosmetic issues associated with metal braces while offering the same functionality and efficiency.
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Strength: Ceramic is a more brittle material than steel (the major material in metal braces). This makes it important to pay greater attention to caring for them. Because they are more fragile than metal, parts of the brackets are easier to break, and you might need an additional visit to the orthodontist if repairs are needed. Ceramic braces are more likely to chip or crack under too much pressure.
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Appearance: The biggest advantage of clear braces is their sleek, esthetic appearance. They have the ability to blend with any smile without being distracting or unattractive. They’re popular with adult patients who want braces that are almost imperceptible in photos and difficult to notice in social interactions.​ These braces are able to fit into your lifestyle without detracting from it, making them an excellent choice for patients who want efficient, esthetic treatment.​ However, even kids and teens enjoy these braces, as they can make some of the brighter elastic color ties appear much more vibrant. The colors ties are made in almost every color, which offers full creative control to those who want more colorful braces for a more fun and memorable experience along with a perfect smile.​
Are ceramic braces right for you?
Having braces can be a lifestyle change. For people who desire to straighten there teeth discreetly, ceramic braces may be the perfect option. They deliver the smile results you want, with the same effectiveness as traditional metal braces. They let you keep your natural look on your way to a straighter smile.
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Clear braces are a popular option with both adults and teens. Their transparent ceramic brackets blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making orthodontic treatment much more low-key. This means you can keep up with your everyday activities without feeling shy about your braces.​ Our orthodontist utilizes premium ceramic braces, which are much less noticeable than other brands. Many teenagers and adult patients prefer this subtler option.​
Do you offer clear braces for kids?
Yes! Kids love clear braces too. With the chance to add some bright, fun colors to the braces, ceramic braces can be both esthetic and fun. Colored elastic ties appear much more vibrant around ceramic braces. At Godley Family Orthodontics, we offer colors ties in nearly every color, which offers full creative control to those who want more colorful braces for a more fun and memorable experience along with a perfect smile.​
Maintaining Clear Braces
It is a common misconception that clear braces can stain, but not to worry - ceramic braces do not stain. These clear braces are made from a ceramic, sapphire material and cannot stain. However, the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth, and some of the elastic color ties that secure the braces wire to the brackets can accumulate stain. These can sometimes give an overall impression of discoloration. The good news is that our orthodontic team will replace your color ties at each appointment to keep your braces looking fresh.​
To help prevent staining, it helps to brush frequently, and to avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to stain like red wine, marinara sauce, turmeric, mustard, coffee, tea, and some fruits like cherries and blackberries. Your orthodontist and team can also recommend specific color ties that are less prone to staining. If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and follow the treatment plan and recommendations from Dr. Godley, you shouldn’t worry too much about giving up your morning cup of joe or occasional glass of wine.
Cost of Ceramic Braces
The cost of orthodontic treatment typically depends on the complexity of your orthodontic needs. Your orthodontist will determine a treatment fee that fits your needs, and we’ll create a payment plan that fits your budget.
You’ll love to know that at Godley Family Orthodontics, ceramic braces are the same cost as metal braces. We do not upcharge for these clear braces. We offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts to make payment convenient. We even check with your dental insurance company for orthodontic benefits and file your claims. Our treatment coordinator will be happy to review the cost with you at your free consultation at our Zionsville, IN orthodontic office.
Interested in exploring your orthodontic treatment options or seeing what clear braces look like? Reserve your free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist. Our team will answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the information you need to determine which treatment is right for you. At Godley Family Orthodontics, we are here to support you as you make the best decision for your oral health.