Clear Braces – Naperville, IL
Discreet & Effective Orthodontic Treatment
Do you like the concept of traditional metal braces but cannot quite accept the idea of having obvious brackets and wires in your mouth? Our practice is proud to offer a more discreet orthodontic treatment: clear/ceramic braces. Made with strong but aesthetically pleasing materials, they have the potential to allow you to smile with confidence while you are on the road to straighter teeth. Continue reading below to learn more about them, and then contact us when you are ready to book your consultation.
What Are Clear/Ceramic Braces?
Just like traditional metal braces, clear/ceramic braces use a system of brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth, gradually straightening them over time. The difference is that clear/ceramic braces are made of different materials, which have a much subtler appearance.
The brackets are typically made of ceramic, which may be clear, or it may be shade-matched to blend in with your teeth. Similarly, the wires can be shade-matched to blend in with the color of the nearby tooth enamel.
How Do They Compare to Traditional Metal Braces?
The biggest differences between traditional metal braces and clear braces are their appearance and the materials they are made of. Other differences include:
- Stain potential. The brackets of traditional braces are prone to collect stains. Ceramic braces are more resistant to stains, but the elastics keeping them in place can still become discolored.
- Ceramic brackets are not quite as strong as their regular metal counterparts. However, they are still durable enough to handle most cases of dental misalignment.
How Do They Compare to Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, which means that you must be careful to remember to wear them for the recommended 20 – 22 hours each day. Sadly, many patients fall short of that requirement, which slows down their treatment progress and can increase their discomfort while they are straightening their teeth.
In contrast, clear/ceramic braces are affixed to the teeth. You do not have to worry about remembering to wear them, so as long as you follow some basic instructions, you can be confident that your treatment’s progress will stay on track from beginning to end.
Are Clear/Ceramic Braces Right for Me?
When you visit us for a consultation, we can help you determine whether clear/ceramic braces are right for you. Feel free to ask us any questions you have about your treatment options!
Here are some indications that clear/ceramic braces could be a good fit for your situation:
- You want an orthodontic treatment that will not call a lot of attention to itself.
- You want to enjoy the convenience of fixed brackets and wires. You do not want have to remember to wear clear aligners.
- You have crooked teeth, rotated teeth, a misaligned bite, or other common orthodontic problems. Clear braces are suitable for most cases of dental misalignment!
