Clear braces have been a popular orthodontic treatment over the past years, with so many patients satisfied with their results. But what makes this treatment option so popular and well-loved by many?
In this article, our orthodontist in Newburgh will discuss what clear braces actually are, their benefits, and how they differ from metal braces. So, keep reading to learn more!
What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces are an alternative option to traditional braces and are created to help move teeth into their ideal positions. They are also known as ceramic braces. Similar to metal braces, It exerts gentle pressure to control the movement of the tooth. However, they use ceramic brackets and frosted wires to match the color of your teeth.
Benefits of Wearing Clear Braces
Need more convincing as to why clear braces are a great orthodontic treatment option? Here are some of the many advantages of wearing clear braces.
1. Less noticeable than metal braces
This is the first thing that people learn about braces and, usually, the most common reason why they opt to get one. Clear braces are almost unnoticeable when the person is wearing them due to the wires and brackets having a similar shade to the patient’s teeth.
2. Helps bring back self-confidence
Clear braces help teens who are struggling with self-confidence to feel much better because they’ll be able to blend in easily without people immediately recognizing they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. For adults, if they have a job that requires a lot of interaction with people, then their smile plays a big role because it lets others know that they are friendly, approachable, and trustworthy.
3. Just as effective as metal braces
Clear braces are not just a more subtle way of straightening teeth. They are just as effective as traditional braces when it comes to treating most orthodontic issues. It sometimes leads to shorter treatment times since the forces applied to the patient’s teeth are more precise. Issues ceramic braces and clear braces can be used to fix include:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crooked teeth
- Overjets
4. It is easier to maintain proper dental hygiene
Treating teeth alignment concerns improves a person’s dental and overall health. Poorly-aligned teeth can be difficult to clean since some teeth might get in the way of brushing and flossing. As a result, a person’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease is increased.
It is easier for the patient to maintain the cleanliness of their mouth when they’re treating teeth misalignment issues. It helps to prevent any plaque from building up on their teeth.
5. They are more comfortable than metal braces
Clear braces are one of the most comfortable treatment options when it comes to fixing teeth alignment issues. The brackets of braces are much smaller and rounder, and ceramic material means that they are less likely to cause an uncomfortable feeling or irritation to your gums. Overall, the experience with ceramic braces is a lot more manageable than its metal counterparts.
Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces
Clear braces and metal braces share a similar design to attain straight teeth and a healthy smile, but the ultimate difference is the material used to make brackets.
Metal braces have brackets that are made out of stainless steel that’s medical-grade, whereas clear braces use a polycrystalline alumina that can either be the same color as your tooth or just transparent. The stainless steel is very noticeable against the color of your teeth, so ceramic brackets are attractive for their discreet appearance. They are also called ceramic braces since the brackets can be transparent.
The flexible metal archwire that connects the brackets can also be made of a lighter color for braces, including silver, white, or a frosted tone that matches the brackets. The combination of tooth-colored brackets and archwire makes your clear braces nearly invisible to others, making this option popular for university students or working adults who want to achieve straight teeth without having the “metal mouth” look.
There are great cosmetic benefits to ceramic braces, but there are also disadvantages when compared to metal braces. Clear braces are known to be less durable than metal braces, as the bracket material isn’t as strong as stainless steel. However, advanced technology has been making innovations and improvements for clear braces, so its structure is not as fragile as before. However, this still makes compliance and care very important: you shouldn’t have any crunchy foods or hard candies with ceramic braces due to the risk of breaking.
Clear brackets are also more prone to staining due to their lighter color. Ceramic or clear braces users should limit their consumption of dark foods and beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, ketchup, curry, and the like. All of these can stain or discolor the clear or tooth-colored brackets. As a solution, you can drink through a straw or brush your teeth immediately afterward to lessen the risk of staining.
Conclusion
Northeastern Braces is devoted to offering affordable solutions to dentistry patients. Clear braces in Bronx are a treatment option that can help you achieve your desired smile in a faster time frame compared to metal braces.
To schedule your consultation, please call us at (917) 801-3600 (for Bronx patients) or (845) 863-0500 (for Newburgh patients). You can also check our website for information about orthodontics, braces treatment, and taking good care of your oral health.
You can also book an appointment online. We can’t wait to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
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