Clear bracket braces vs metal. Work just like traditional metal braces. They consist of a bracket and wire design. That means they work on the relatively simple premise of a set of wires urging your teeth into their optimal spots. If you have an overbite, gaps in your teeth, misaligned back teeth, or countless other issues, clear bracket braces can help.
In contrast, solutions like Invisalign don’t work in the same way. Instead, they use aligners to straighten your teeth. That works in a lot of situations, but it doesn’t provide as broad of a solution as braces consisting of brackets and wires.
Clear Bracket Braces Use Gentle Bonding Adhesives
To attach the brackets to your teeth, your orthodontist has to use epoxy. Generally, the adhesive used with clear bracket braces is much more gentle than the adhesive used with metal bracket braces. That helps to protect your enamel, reducing the risk of cavities forming behind the brackets. It also makes getting the brackets removed at the end of your orthodontic treatment into a gentler process.
Clear Bracket Braces Are More Subtle That Other Orthodontic Solutions
One of the main reasons that many people turn to clear bracket braces is because they are more subtle. They are made of see-through plastic which blends in with your teeth. This tends to be a lot less noticeable than wire braces. This is ideal for adults who want braces but don’t want to look like they have braces. It is also helpful for teens or children who don’t want to stick out. If you need rubber bands to enhance your braces, you can opt for clear bands that match your clear brackets.
Clear Bracket Braces Feel More Comfortable to Many Patients
Many people find that clear bracket braces feel more comfortable in their mouths. They don’t have to worry about their mouths getting scratched by metal. They also don’t have to carry dental wax, which many people apply to wire braces to make them more comfortable. However, you can use wax as desired with clear brackets.
This solution is also permanently affixed to your mouth. You don’t have to take it in and out like Invisalign or certain retainers. That stability can be more comfortable for many patients. It can also give you peace of mind because you never have to worry about losing your braces.
Ready to learn more about clear bracket braces? Want braces for you or your child? Then, contact BB Braces Braces today. We have multiple locations throughout the Atlanta area, and we are an orthodontic partner with the Atlanta Braves. If they trust us with their smiles, you should trust us with yours.
Who Should Get Clear Braces?
Clear braces are great for kids or teens who want a more subtle option. However, in most cases, they can be a bit more expensive than wire braces. You may want to consult with your orthodontist to figure out what’s best for your oral health and your budget.
Additionally, clear braces move teeth faster than Invisalign. If you want the aesthetic appeal of subtle orthodontic treatment but you need faster treatment, clear braces may be ideal for you. In fact, many adults opt for clear braces just for this reason.
What Is the Treatment Process With Clear Braces?
If you decide to get clear ceramic braces, you start with a consultation. That’s where the orthodontist talks with you about your objectives and creates a plan for your teeth.
At a following appointment, the brackets get attached to your teeth. Then, the archwires are placed between the brackets and the rubber bands are put on to enhance the final effect. After this point, there are regular follow-up appointments. These appointments happen every six to eight weeks. During these appointments, the orthodontist tightens your archwires and puts on new rubber bands. The orthodontist also answers your questions and talk with you about any concerns you may have.
How Do You Take Care of Clear Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic clear braces are designed to resist stains, but it’s still important for patients to care for them properly. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal and rinse frequently throughout the day. That helps to prevent food from getting under your wires and leading to cavities or decay. You may need to use special flossers to make flossing with braces easier.
If our orthodontists determine that this clear orthodontic solution is best for you or a family member, we will provide you with specific care instructions for your braces. That might include specific foods to avoid during treatment and more.
What Issues Can Happen With Clear Braces?
Unfortunately, in some cases, issues may arise with your clear braces. If you feel scratches on the side of your mouth, you may want to dab some wax on your brackets. Your orthodontist will give you wax when you get the braces.
If a wire comes loose, you should contact your orthodontist. They will let you know if you can clip the wire and deal with it at your next appointment, or if you need to come in for an emergency appointment. Similarly, in the rare case that a bracket comes loose, you should also contact your orthodontist.
Clear bracket braces vs metal
One challenge when committing to any orthodontia is how to stay confident in your appearance while wearing them. If your child is about to celebrate a major milestone, you might wonder what the difference is in appearance – as well as functionality – for ceramic braces vs metal braces. You may even wonder whether it’s possible to change materials mid-way through the treatment.
Get the facts on each type of braces, so you can decide, with the help of a dental professional, which look and functionality is best for your child.
Metal Braces
Metal braces typically consist of brackets placed on either the front or back of the teeth and wires that are tightened to help move the teeth and bite into correct and straighter alignment, per the American Dental Association. Metal braces are made of stainless steel brackets and wires that are a type of metal alloy, says the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). They are adjusted with the help of ligatures or the rubber bands that attach the wires to the brackets. Traditional braces are comprised of brackets, wires and ligatures as the main parts, while self-ligating braces have clips instead of ligatures that hold the wires to the brackets.
If your teen feels self-conscious and you want them to be confident and smile wide in photos, let them know that a metallic smile is normal. Many of their peers sport similar shiny grins.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, on the other hand, have tooth-colored or clear brackets and ligatures but still have metal wires, notes the AAO. You also have the option between traditional and self-ligating braces. Just like metal braces, traditional ceramic braces and self-ligating ceramic braces respectively have ligatures or clips that attach the wires to brackets.
Ceramic Braces vs Metal Braces and Your Appearance
Metal and ceramic braces function the same. Each type applies pressure to the teeth causing the teeth to move over a period of months or years, says the Cleveland Clinic. On average, this can take about one to three years.
However, if you’re concerned about your appearance during that time or your child is looking forward to an event, the key difference is that metal braces have metal brackets whereas ceramic braces have brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth. But you should consider that both are attached with metal alloy wire, so the wire will always be visible when smiling.
Pros and Cons of Both
Talk to your dentist and take time to study images with both metal and ceramic braces to compare what you or your child would prefer aesthetically. You might opt for ceramic braces because, on the whole, they’re less noticeable. It might seem straightforward to choose ceramic braces for this reason. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, ceramic braces can become stained or discolored over time. Treatment may also last longer because of the way the ceramic brackets can create friction against the wires.
Metal braces tend to be less costly and treatment time isn’t affected by the way the appliances work together. Though, for either option, treatment time is dictated by the same factors: the severity of the misalignment, the distance your teeth need to move, the health of your mouth and adherence to your treatment plan, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
It also may be possible to switch from one type to the other mid-treatment, though it involves more money and time in changing out and re-applying the new brackets.
Keep Your Smile Bright
Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy are key to reducing the risk of staining, both on your teeth and if you (or your teen) chooses ceramic braces. For important photo occasions, white teeth keep your smile looking great with braces.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.