Are you hesitant to get orthodontic treatment because you don’t want a mouth full of metal? Many patients are opting away from traditional metal braces since plenty of other options exist. Please read on to learn about the types of clear braces that give you a less noticeable way to correct your smile.
When you are ready to meet with an orthodontist, please call our office right away to schedule your free consultation at one of our conveniently located WNY offices.
What Types of Clear Braces Are Available?
Please keep reading if you are interested in learning about alternative options to traditional metal braces. The following are the types of clear braces that allow you to get the smile you want without having a mouth full of metal.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces have a similar makeup to traditional metal braces. You will have brackets placed on your teeth with a wire going through the brackets held on by bands just as you would with traditional braces. The difference is that the brackets are tooth-colored ceramic, and the bands are clear. They are much less noticeable than metal brackets and colored bands, and the ceramic brackets are highly stain-resistant.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are trays you wear over your teeth that get you closer to perfect alignment every time you switch your trays. They are custom-made for you and require you to wear them for 20-22 hours every day. You can take out clear aligners to brush your teeth or eat meals.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The following are the pros and cons of the types of clear braces we provide in our office. Please keep reading to learn what option may be best for you.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces
One of the most significant advantages of clear braces is that they are much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal ones. The ceramic brackets are tooth colored and can blend into your smile. Another advantage is how quickly these types of clear braces work. There have been many patients who have faster results with clear braces as opposed to clear aligners.
You do have to be aware of some disadvantages with clear braces. They can be more costly than traditional braces, so you may need to consider financing this treatment. Another disadvantage is that clear bands that hold the wire to your ceramic braces can stain very quickly, which makes the braces more visible. Patients with clear braces often need to dedicate a substantial amount of time to keep their brackets and bands clean.
Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners
Besides being much less noticeable, one of the best parts of clear aligners is that you can pop them in and out for meals and cleanings. The downside of them being able to come out is that they can be misplaced.
We have heard of plenty of patients who took out their Invisalign at school or a restaurant to eat, and they accidentally got thrown out. For Invisalign to do its job, you must wear it at least 20-22 hours per day.
Another downside to clear aligners is that they cannot fix severe alignment issues. While they are great for fixing minor to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners are not suitable for all candidates. Consulting with a dentist can help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you are interested in receiving one of the above-mentioned types of clear braces, please reach out to us right away. We have seven offices throughout WNY for your convenience. Give us a call, and we will be glad to get you scheduled with a free consultation.
